What does this 9-day Tunisia tour cover?
The tour starts and finishes in Tunis and loops south through the country. Day 1 is arrival. Day 2 covers the Tunis Medina (UNESCO-listed), a hands-on cooking class in a traditional Tunisian house with a market visit, the Antonine Baths of Carthage (largest Roman public baths in Africa), and the whitewashed streets of Sidi Bou Said. Day 3 visits Nabeul for a harissa-making workshop, then the Hammamet Old Medina, the Sousse Medina and its Roman mosaic museum, and the Roman Amphitheatre of El Jem (UNESCO). Day 4 goes south to Matmata for troglodyte underground homes and the Hotel Sidi Idriss (Star Wars Lars Homestead filming location), Toujane viewpoint, and the Women of GDA El Ferch cooperative. Day 5 does the 4x4 desert adventure into the Grand Erg Oriental, Sahara bread-making, and overnight at a desert camp. Day 6 exits the desert by 4x4, visits Douz souk, crosses the salt flats of Chott el Jerid, and reaches Tozeur. Day 7 explores Star Wars filming locations at Ong Jemel and the mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza (Tunisia's largest mountain oasis), and the Mides canyon. Day 8 visits the Roman ruins of Sbeitla and the Great Mosque of Kairouan before returning to Tunis. Day 9 is departure.
What type of tour is this and how many people travel together?
This is a small-group tour with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 12 travellers. Regular departures run on most Saturdays from October through to the end of May. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 confirmed travellers. A local English-speaking Tunisian guide accompanies the group throughout all sightseeing, and transport switches between air-conditioned minibus or coach and 4x4 vehicles when the desert section is reached.
Is Tunisia a safe destination for tourists?
Tunisia is a popular tourist destination with well-established infrastructure for visitors. As with any country, you should check the latest official government travel advice from your home country before booking and again before travelling. Your guide is local and experienced and will know current conditions on the ground. The tour runs between October and May, avoiding the peak summer heat, and stays in well-frequented areas. Encounters Travel recommends staying updated via the UK Foreign Office Travel Aware campaign or the equivalent for your nationality.
What are the standout highlights I should know about before booking?
The harissa-making workshop in Nabeul and the cooking class in Tunis are genuine cultural exchanges, not tourist-show demonstrations. El Jem is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, rivalling Rome's Colosseum in size. The Star Wars connections at Hotel Sidi Idriss (Luke Skywalker's Lars Homestead interior) and Ksar Hadada (Mos Espa slave quarters backdrop) are a genuine thrill for fans. The overnight desert camp at Tembaine in the Grand Erg Oriental, with private bathrooms, hot showers, and dinner under the stars, is the centrepiece of the trip. The mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza, and Mides are surprisingly lush and completely unexpected in the desert landscape. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is one of the oldest and most important Islamic monuments in North Africa.
Is there a longer version of this tour if I want to see more of Tunisia?
Yes. If you want to explore the north of the country as well, the 13-day Tunisia Encompassed tour extends this itinerary with a pre-trip addition covering northern Tunisia. Speak to the Encounters Travel sales team to compare the two options and decide which suits your schedule and budget.
Do I need to visit at a specific time of year?
Departures run from October to the end of May. Summer (June to September) is avoided because southern Tunisia, especially the desert regions, becomes extremely hot and uncomfortable for sightseeing. Coastal areas in the north have a warm Mediterranean climate from spring onwards. Winter months (December to February) can be cool in the desert at night, so packing a warm layer for the overnight camp is recommended. October to April generally offers the most comfortable temperatures throughout the full route.
What is included in the tour price?
The price covers 8 nights' accommodation (7 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels plus 1 night at the luxury desert camp); all transport and transfers throughout including the 4x4 desert rides; a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service; a local tour guide for all sightseeing; all listed monument entrance fees; the harissa-making workshop in Nabeul; the Tunisian cooking class (including market visit and lunch) in Tunis; and the Sahara desert experience including the 4x4 off-road adventure and the bread-making demonstration. Meals as per the itinerary (8 breakfasts, 1 lunch on the cooking class day, and 4 dinners) are included.
What is not included?
International flights are not included. Visa fees (if required for your nationality) are your own cost. Travel insurance is compulsory but not included. Meals beyond those listed in the itinerary are excluded (most lunches and some dinners are your own expense). Drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and personal expenses such as laundry are excluded. Tips for guides, drivers, and other service staff are not included. Hotel gala dinners (sometimes offered at Christmas/New Year departures) are also excluded.
How much spending money should I budget for day-to-day costs?
Most lunches are not included, so you will need money for those daily. The tour notes suggest a minimum of around 15 to 25 US dollars per person per day for meals not included, drinks, snacks, tips, and personal spending. Tipping is expected in Tunisia: around five to ten US dollars per person per day for your main guide is a fair guideline, plus separate tips for drivers and any local specialist guides. If you plan to shop in markets (harissa, textiles, pottery, spices) allow a comfortable extra allowance for that.
Can I fly into Enfidha Airport instead of Tunis Carthage?
The standard tour price includes transfers to and from Tunis Carthage Airport (TUN). If you fly via Enfidha Airport (NBE, used by many European low-cost carriers), a return transfer supplement can be added as an option. Check the options section when booking for the current price. The tours all start and end in Tunis, so your first night hotel is in the capital.
How active is this tour?
The tour is generally moderate in activity level. Most days involve walking around historical sites, medinas, and markets at a leisurely pace. The Mides canyon on Day 7 involves a guided walk through a narrow gorge, which is not strenuous but does require some walking on uneven terrain. The 4x4 desert rides can be bumpy. There is no trekking, climbing, or strenuous physical activity required. The tour suits most ages and fitness levels; anyone with a bad back should note that rough-road 4x4 driving can be uncomfortable.
Are there vaccinations or health precautions I need to take?
Malaria is not normally present in Tunisia, and a Yellow Fever certificate is not required unless you are arriving from an infected area. Recommended vaccinations for Tunisia include Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Always consult your GP or a travel health clinic for personalised advice. Standard hygiene precautions (hand washing, care with street food and water) apply throughout the trip. Anti-diarrhoea tablets in your first aid kit are a practical precaution when eating at a wide range of venues.
Is the Sahara overnight suitable for older travellers or those with health concerns?
The desert camp at Tembaine is surprisingly comfortable, with proper beds, private bathrooms, and hot showers in the VIP-style tents. The main challenge is the 4x4 ride to reach the camp, which can be bumpy over sand dunes, and the fact that temperatures drop significantly in the desert at night (particularly November to February). If you have concerns about health, fitness, or specific medical conditions, discuss them with Encounters Travel before booking so they can advise honestly.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes. Travel insurance is required for all Encounters Travel tours. It must cover personal accident and liability, medical expenses and repatriation, and travel delay or abandonment. Cover for trip cancellation and lost luggage is strongly recommended. You must provide your policy details before departure. If you plan to ride in a 4x4 vehicle (this tour includes desert 4x4 excursions), check your policy's small print on adventure vehicle activities.
How is my money protected when I book?
Encounters Travel is a UK-registered company protected by Trust My Travel Ltd, which holds an insurance policy covering customer funds. If Encounters Travel became insolvent, you would be refunded for any unfulfilled services and repatriated to the UK where applicable. Full details are in the booking conditions on the Encounters Travel website.
Will I have a guide throughout the tour?
Yes. A fully trained, local English-speaking Tunisian guide accompanies you for all sightseeing throughout the 9 days. Encounters Travel exclusively uses local Tunisian guides, which gives you genuine insider knowledge at sites like Kairouan, Sbeitla, and the Tunis Medina. Guiding in German, Italian, or Spanish may be available on private departures; contact the sales team for details.
What is the accommodation like overall?
All hotels on the tour are 3 to 4-star (some are officially rated 5-star). In Tunis the group stays at the Carlton Hotel, a 1926 Art Nouveau building on the famous Avenue Habib Bourguiba, with comfortable balcony rooms and an excellent breakfast buffet. In Sfax the Les Oliviers Palace is a Belle Epoque property with indoor and outdoor pools and a spa. In Tataouine you sleep in the Ksar Hadada, a genuine Berber fortified granary that served as a Star Wars filming location. The desert camp near Tembaine (Camp Abdelmoula) offers proper beds, private bathrooms with hot showers, and authentic North African decor. In Tozeur the Palm Beach Palace has both outdoor and indoor heated pools, a spa, and a hammam.
What is the desert camp at Tembaine actually like?
Camp Abdelmoula is deep in the Grand Erg Oriental dunes and offers what is genuinely described as glamping. The spacious canvas tents are equipped with proper beds and duvets, and crucially, each VIP tent has a private bathroom with a hot shower. Evenings involve a traditional dinner in the communal dining tent and time around a campfire under an extraordinarily clear, star-filled sky. It is a comfortable and magical experience rather than a rough camping night.
Is the Ksar Hadada a real hotel or a reconstruction?
The Ksar Hadada in Tataouine is a genuine multi-century-old Berber ksar (fortified granary) that has been converted into a hotel. The rooms are built into the ancient ghorfa storage units of the original structure. The setting is entirely authentic; the same location was used for the Mos Espa slave quarters in the Star Wars films. The on-site restaurant serves local cuisine, and the atmosphere of sleeping within a well-preserved centuries-old monument is quite remarkable.
What if I am travelling alone? Is a single supplement available?
Yes. A single room supplement is available to book, covering solo accommodation in all hotels and the desert camp throughout the tour. If you are a solo traveller happy to share, notify Encounters Travel and they will try to pair you with another same-sex solo traveller. If no share is arranged, the single supplement is added to your booking but refunded if a share is arranged before departure. Room shares are offered in order of booking.
How many meals are included and what Tunisian dishes can I expect?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch (on the cooking class day, where you cook and eat the dish you have just made), and 4 dinners. Tunisian food is rich and varied: harissa (the chilli paste you make yourself in Nabeul) is used in many dishes; couscous, brik (a crispy pastry with egg and tuna), lamb tagine, fresh seafood along the coast, and grilled meats are all common. The cooking class on Day 2 is one of the best ways to understand the cuisine before you spend the rest of the week tasting it.
What about vegetarian or other dietary needs?
Tunisian cuisine often features meat and fish, but vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated at the hotels and restaurants used on the tour. The cooking class on Day 2 should also be flagged to the chef in advance if you have specific needs. Inform Encounters Travel when you book so your requirements can be communicated to accommodation providers and guides along the route.
Is the water safe to drink in Tunisia?
Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking in Tunisia. Stick to bottled water or use a reusable filter bottle. A Water-to-Go filter bottle is available with a 25% discount using code ENCOUNTERS25. On the desert camp night, the camp provides bottled water and prepared drinks. In Tunis and major towns bottled water is widely and cheaply available.
What is the Harissa-making workshop and why is it a highlight?
In Nabeul on Day 3 you join a local expert to make harissa from scratch: selecting and toasting fiery chilli peppers, then pounding them by hand with spices using traditional techniques. Harissa is the national condiment of Tunisia and appears in some form in almost every meal you eat on the tour. Making it yourself gives you an understanding of the flavours you will encounter for the rest of the trip, and you leave with skills you can replicate at home.
Is this a good tour for solo travellers?
Yes. The small group of up to 12 makes it sociable and easy to meet people, and the mix of cultural activities, workshops, and shared desert experiences gives plenty to connect over. Room shares with same-sex solo travellers are arranged on request, and the single supplement is refunded if a share is matched. Most people who join the tour as solos find it one of its biggest strengths.
What kind of traveller does this tour attract?
Tunisia Encounters tends to attract curious, culturally-minded travellers interested in history, food, and adventure in roughly equal measure. The Star Wars connection brings some film enthusiasts, while the Roman ruins and Islamic architecture draw history lovers. The Sahara desert night appeals to people who want a genuine bucket-list experience without roughing it. The group cap of 12 keeps things friendly and intimate throughout.
Do I need a visa to enter Tunisia?
Many nationalities, including those from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most of the EU, can enter Tunisia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Other nationalities should check with their closest Tunisian consulate. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure from the country. Visa requirements can change, so verify with the consulate approximately 4 weeks before travel.
What currency does Tunisia use and how do I manage money?
The local currency is the Tunisian Dinar. Bring US dollars or euros as these are the most widely accepted hard currencies for exchange. ATMs are available in major cities (Tunis, Sousse) but can be unreliable or unavailable in smaller towns; BCM appears to be the most reliable bank for foreign cards. Avoid relying solely on cards outside of major cities. Traveller's cheques are not easily exchanged. Carry small denomination notes for tips and markets. Most transactions in restaurants and markets are in Dinars.
What should I wear when visiting mosques and religious sites?
Modest dress is required at religious sites in Tunisia. At mosques, shoulders and legs must be covered for both men and women. Women should carry a scarf to cover their hair when required. Loose-fitting, non-revealing clothing is recommended throughout the tour, especially in town and city centres. In the desert and at tourist-focused sites, shorts and T-shirts are acceptable, but not hot pants or sleeveless tops. Your guide will advise you at each site on specific requirements.
What should I pack for this tour
especially for the desert night?
Can I add extra nights in Tunis before or after the tour?
Yes. Both a pre-tour and a post-tour extra night in Tunis are available as options, staying in the same hotel used on the tour (subject to availability). Both include the relevant airport transfer. Prices are per person based on two people sharing; single supplements apply.
Is there a beach extension available at the end of the tour?
The itinerary note on Day 9 mentions that beach extensions are available; speak to the sales team for details. Tunisia has excellent Mediterranean and Gulf of Hammamet beaches (Hammamet itself is visited briefly on Day 3), and Sousse also sits on the coast. A post-tour beach extension is a natural fit if you want to relax after 8 days of sightseeing.
Can I book a private departure or customise the itinerary?
Yes. Most Encounters Travel group tours can be run as private departures on dates that suit your group, with flexibility to adjust accommodation levels or the pace of the itinerary. A fully tailor-made Tunisia tour built from scratch is also available. Private departures can also be guided in German, Italian, or Spanish on request. Contact the sales team with your requirements for a quotation.
How do I book and when is full payment due?
Book via the Dates and Prices tab on the tour page on the Encounters Travel website. You can pay a deposit or the full amount online, or hold a reservation if you are not ready to pay. Full payment is due 8 weeks before departure. Payment options include credit or debit card (a processing fee applies), bank transfer, or cheque/bank draft. Your booking confirmation email will confirm all details.
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
Cancellation charges are set out in the Encounters Travel booking conditions and increase as the departure date approaches. Taking out trip cancellation insurance from the date of booking protects you financially if you need to cancel for an unexpected reason. Check the booking conditions carefully at the time of booking.
Are international flights included or can Encounters Travel help arrange them?
Flights are not included in the tour price. The tour starts and ends in Tunis, served by Tunis Carthage Airport (TUN). Encounters Travel can suggest suitable flight options if you provide your departure airport and preferred dates. If you use Enfidha Airport, a return transfer supplement is available as a bookable option. Occasional flight-inclusive packages from selected airports are also advertised on the website.
What is the Women of GDA El Ferch cooperative and why is it included?
The GDA El Ferch is a women-led agricultural and craft cooperative in rural southern Tunisia. Entirely run by local women, the organisation focuses on economic empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and preserving traditional crafts. On Day 4 you visit their authentic working space and participate in making artisanal sauces and traditional desert snacks using techniques passed down through generations. The women share their personal stories and insights, making this one of the most genuine cultural exchanges on the tour rather than a staged performance.
What are the Star Wars connections on this tour?
Tunisia was famously used as a filming location for the original Star Wars films. On Day 4 you visit Hotel Sidi Idriss in Matmata, which served as the interior set for the Lars Homestead (Luke Skywalker's childhood home). The hotel in Tataouine is Ksar Hadada, an actual ancient Berber ksar whose courtyards provided the backdrop for the slave quarters of Mos Espa. On Day 7 you visit Ong Jemel (Camel's Neck), another iconic desert filming location used in the saga. These are real historic sites with genuine cinematic connections, not recreations.
What is the amphitheatre at El Jem and how does it compare to Rome?
The Amphitheatre of El Jem (known in antiquity as Thysdrus) is one of the best-preserved Roman colosseums in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built around the 3rd century AD, it could seat approximately 35,000 spectators, making it larger than many other Roman amphitheatres including some in Rome itself. You explore the structure including the underground passages and can imagine the scale of the spectacles held there. It is a genuinely staggering monument in the middle of a modest Tunisian town.
How should I approach haggling in Tunisian markets?
Haggling is a traditional and expected practice in Tunisian souks and markets. Initial prices quoted to tourists are often high, so do not take them at face value. Decide the value you are willing to pay, then negotiate calmly towards it. Tunisians never rush their bargaining; take your time. Walking away if the price is not right is acceptable and sometimes results in a better offer. However, if you name a price, be prepared to pay it to avoid causing offence. Your guide can advise on fair price ranges for souvenirs and crafts.
What sockets and voltage does Tunisia use?
Tunisia uses Type C and Type E two-round-pronged sockets at 220 volts. Standard European adapters will work, though they may feel slightly loose. If you are arriving from the UK you will need a type-C or type-E adapter. US appliances running at 110 volts will need a voltage converter. All hotel rooms have sockets for charging devices, and travel adapters are available at most airport shops.
What are the hotels like in Tunis and Tozeur?
In Tunis you stay at the Carlton Hotel, a 1926 Art Nouveau property right on the prestigious Avenue Habib Bourguiba, minutes from the Medina. Rooms are air-conditioned, some with balconies over the avenue, and the breakfast buffet is highly regarded. In Tozeur you stay at the Palm Beach Palace, a grand property decorated with the distinctive interlocking-brick patterns unique to Tozeur architecture. It has both outdoor and indoor heated pools, a full spa with hammam and sauna, and restaurant options serving local cuisine alongside international dishes.
