Archaeological Museum of El-Djem

We drive to El Djem, one of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheaters outside of the Italian peninsula, the El Djem Coliseum is an important archaeological site and a major tourist attraction in Tunisia. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The sheer scale and grandeur of the El Djem Coliseum provide a powerful glimpse into the architectural and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire during its golden age. It stands as an impressive testament to the ambition and cultural legacy of the ancient Romans.

Matmata

The troglodyte dwellings of Matmata are believed to have origins dating back to the Berber people who inhabited the region long before the arrival of the Romans. The unique architecture and way of life in Matmata have made it an important cultural heritage site, providing insight into the traditional lifestyles of North African desert communities. Matmata gained international fame when it was used as a filming location for the original Star Wars movie, further solidifying its reputation as a one-of-a-kind destination. The remarkable troglodyte architecture and traditional lifestyles of Matmata continue to captivate visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into the ingenious adaptations of human settlement in the harsh Saharan environment.

Chenini

Chenini has been continuously inhabited by Berber communities for centuries, with evidence of human settlement in the area dating back to ancient times. The village served as an important hub for Berber culture, traditions, and commerce in southern Tunisia throughout its history. Chenini is considered one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Berber village architecture in the country, making it a valuable cultural heritage site. The unique, tiered layout and traditional building techniques of Chenini have made it a popular tourist attraction, showcasing the ingenuity of Berber urban planning and construction. The picturesque, hillside village of Chenini stands as a remarkable testament to the resilience and adaptability of Berber communities in the harsh Saharan environment. Its traditional architecture and tight-knit, terraced layout continue to captivate visitors from around the world.

Ksar Hadada

Ksar Hdada is a well-preserved fortified granary settlement located in southern Tunisia, known for its unique, clustered architecture and historical significance. Small, slit-like windows and few exterior openings characterize the fortified, defensive nature of the architecture. The structures are oriented around small, central courtyards that provided natural light and ventilation for the interior spaces. Decorative elements like arched doorways, carved stone, and intricate tile work add visual interest to the otherwise austere exteriors. Ksar Hdada is believed to have been inhabited by Berber communities since at least the 11th century AD, serving as a vital storage and defensive site in the region. The fortified granary settlement provided a secure means of storing and protecting essential agricultural surpluses from raiders and nomadic tribes in the harsh Saharan environment. Ksar Hdada is considered one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Berber ksar.

Douz

Douz-Sabria is a historic oasis settlement located in southern Tunisia Douz is situated around a natural -oasis, providing a reliable water source in the arid Saharan landscape.The strategic location of the oasis settlement made it a vital stopover point for trans-Saharan trade networks, facilitating the exchange of commodities like salt, gold, slaves, and various manufactured goods. The commercial activity at sabria helped sustain the local Berber community and shaped the development of the fortified architecture over centuries.Overnight at a camp of insolite Dunes sabria in Douz

Douz

Douz's strategic location on the edge of the Saharan desert has made it an important gateway and staging point for desert exploration and tourism. The town serves as a hub for camel trekking, dune buggy tours, and other Saharan adventure activities, drawing visitors from around the world. Douz hosts an annual "Sahara Festival" that celebrates the region's Berber culture, heritage, and the dramatic desert landscapes. The town's proximity to the Sahara, combined with its oasis setting and traditional Berber character, make it a popular and unique tourist destination in southern Tunisia. Douz's unique blend of oasis ecology, Berber cultural heritage, and desert proximity have earned it a distinct identity as the "Gateway to the Sahara" in southern Tunisia. The town continues to be a vital hub for exploring the region's rich natural and cultural landscapes.

Chott El Jerid

Chott El-Jerid's dramatic salt-encrusted landscape, its specialized ecosystem, and its historical significance make it a remarkable and internationally recognized natural wonder of southern Tunisia.

Tozeur

Tozeur is situated in an expansive oasis, surrounded by vast date palm plantations that have been cultivated for centuries. The lush, green oasis provides a stark contrast to the arid, sandy desert that surrounds the city, creating a unique and picturesque landscape. Date palm cultivation is a central part of Tozeur's economy and local culture, with the city producing a variety of high-quality date cultivars. The oasis also supports other agricultural activities, including the growing of vegetables, fruits, and other crops that thrive in the oasis microclimate. later possibility(optional) to visit the mountain oasis of Chebika and tameza .

Sbeitla

Sbeitla is an ancient Roman and Byzantine city located in central Tunisia that is known for its remarkably well-preserved archaeological ruins and historical significance Sbeitla was an important urban center during the Roman and Byzantine periods, with a history dating back to the 2nd century AD. The site features an impressive collection of remarkably well-preserved Roman and Byzantine ruins, including several temples, a triumphal arch, and the remains of a large Christian basilica. The best-known monuments are the three Roman temples dedicated to the Capitoline Triad (Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva), which are considered among the finest examples of Roman temple architecture in North Africa. Other notable structures include the Arch of Diocletian, the remains of a Byzantine cathedral, and the foundations of various other public buildings and houses.

Kairouan

Kairouan is considered the fourth holiest city in Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. It has been an important center of Islamic learning and pilgrimage for centuries. The city's most famous landmark is the Great Mosque of Kairouan, which was founded in 670 AD and is one of the oldest and most prestigious mosques in the Islamic world. Kairouan has a long history as a center of Islamic scholarship, and it was home to several renowned theologians and philosophers who contributed to the development of Islamic thought and culture. The city's rich cultural heritage is also reflected in its traditional crafts, such as carpet-weaving, pottery, and metalwork, which continue to be practiced today.

Sousse

Overall, Sousse is a vibrant, historic city that serves as a major cultural, economic, and tourist hub on the central Tunisian coast, offering visitors a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions.