Arrive into Tunis-Carthage International Airport and head over to your historical hotel nestled in the heart of the nation’s capital. Take a wander around the city at your own pace. While you wait for your fellow travelers to arrive, make a beeline for Tunis Medina, a city-within-a-city home to thousands of market stalls, restaurants, and mosques. This evening enjoy a memorable welcome dinner at one of the best restaurants in Tunis. 

Step into the ancient medina of Tunis this morning, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a medieval powerhouse. Weave through narrow alleys adorned with over 700 monuments, including palaces, mosques, and fountains, unveiling hidden treasures and stories at every turn. Drop into a traditional local restaurant for a refuel before heading back out on your historic journey toexplore the Bardo Museum, which is housed in a 19th-century Beylic palace. Marvel at the world's largest collection of mosaics, intricate Punic jewels, Roman sarcophaguses, and Christian baptisteries. Highlight: the contents of a Roman cargo shipwreck featuring Hellenistic Greek art masterpieces, including bronze pieces, marble sculptures, and exquisite furniture.

Unveil the secrets of Carthage today, an archaeological wonderland that was once the mighty trading city that birthed the legendary warlord Hannibal and his formidable army. Explore the Roman-era cisterns of La Malga and unravel the mysteries of Carthaginian sacrifice sites. Lunchtime beckons in the charming Sidi Bou Said, with its cobblestone streets, blue-and-white houses, al fresco cafes, and vibrant art galleries. Then, journey south to the picturesque town of Sousse, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through its millennia-old medina and visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of Roman mosaics within the walls of a historic kasbah. Unwind this evening at your leisure in the ancient city of Kairouan.

Explore the historic city of Kairouan today, one of the holiest cities of Islam and an important pilgrimage site. Spend some time exploring Kairouan's fantastic medina on a guided walk and meeting the craftspeople at work. Then the 7th century Grand Mosque awaits, a spectacular structure complete with an elaborate mihrab and intricately carved columns, where you’ll search for what’s believed to be the oldest surviving minbar (pulpit) in the world. After a lunch of local treats, enjoy a free afternoon wandering the streets of this beautiful city before regrouping in the evening for dinner. 

This morning we’ll drive to El Jem, a massive, Roman-era colosseum that hosted gladiatorial battles as early as the third century. With an estimated capacity of 35,000, it’s one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the world. Refuel at a nearby restaurant, then you’ll catch a ferry to Djerba, also known as “the Island of Dreams.” With a rich history and renowned contemporary art scene, the island is home to a vibrant, longstanding Jewish community—and one of the oldest synagogues in Africa—as well as an open-air art museum. Enjoy some time to explore at your own pace this afternoon before a delicious group dinner this evening. 

Spend the morning exploring Djerba, visiting the El Ghriba Synagogue before delving into the medina on foot and seeing the larger-than-life Djerbahood murals splashed across city walls. For lunch, you’ll head to the medina, where fishermen display their catch. After selecting what we need, we’ll ask a local restaurant to grill up our fish. Visit a traditional pottery workshop in Guellala Djerba, where Phoenician influences still shape the craft. Marvel at the artistry of Djerbian potters, renowned for their turned pottery and intricate designs. Learn the secrets behind crafting giant jars and vibrant enameled objects. After lunch in Djerba, venture inland to Tataouine, a desert city known for its cave dwellings. Enjoy some leisure time in this unique place, and wander around its ancient ruins and bustling markets, before meeting up with your fellow travelers again this evening for a delicious dinner. 

Today you’ll be exploring Tataouine from various vantage points, from its hilltop caves to its underground dugouts—and even taking an intergalactic perspective. Made famous by its Star Wars namesake, Tatooine, the town still hosts a smattering of otherworldly relics from the film set. Whether you’re a Star Wars fan or not, you’ll likely conclude this area to be one of the most visually stunning places you’ve ever seen. You’ll share a traditional Berber meal with a few new friends, and drop into a cave for a cup of tea. Then, you’ll head to Chenini, an ancient Berber village tucked into the cliffs, which served as inspiration for the name of a moon orbiting Luke Skywalker’s home planet. After a full day of exploring, you’ll return to your hotel to rest up before tomorrow’s adventure into the desert.

You’ll set out early this morning, driving up into the mountains, where we’ll stop for a coffee break with panoramic views. You’ll pass innumerable natural wonders, including a hot-water desert spring, often thronged by thirsty camels. Once we reach the desert, we’ll switch over to all-terrain vehicles and journey 60 miles from the nearest human settlement until we reach our campsite. We’ll set up camp, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner by the campfire, and, once the sun sets, turn our gaze to the sky. With the closest source of electricity about a two-hour drive from our camp, we’ll enjoy the glittering mosaic of stars and planets in the night sky with unparalleled lucidity. Tonight we’ll have comfortable tents to sleep in, though you’re also welcome to bring a blanket outside and drift off underneath the stars.

After breakfast in the desert, you'll cross the vast, multicolored Chott el Djerid salt lake. Appearing in shades of green, red, and white, the (mostly dry) lake will give you lots to look at as we drive through it. We’ll pause in the middle, getting out to examine its brilliant pink hue before continuing on to Douz. Stop here, just a stone’s throw from the Algerian border, to break for lunch and stretch your legs. Later, you’ll visit Les Refroidisseurs d’Eau, a gargantuan, concrete facility built to process, cool, and store the hot water that bubbles up from beneath the desert sand. A hidden gem not often frequented by outsiders, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a free, hot, mineral water shower. Your final destination for the day will be Tozeur, a tropical oasis deep in the desert, where you’ll taste the city’s world-renowned lamb before retiring to your hotel.

Start the day off-roading and, with the help of your trusty (four-wheel-drive) steeds, you’ll cruise back across the Saharan sands, passing oases and bountiful date farms as you go. Your first stop is a beautiful canyon that is only accessible on foot via an easy hike. Back in the vehicles and continuing on your way, we’ll stop at another abandoned Star Wars film set, the town of Mos Espa. Though the set is slowly being overtaken by sand, you can still spot “Moisture Vaporators,” among other space structures, lining the streets.  Break for lunch in Tozeur, and check out the local medina and souk. For those interested, there’s an optional excursion to yet another Star Wars relic—the Lars Homestead, home to Luke Skywalker, himself!

This morning you’ll head north along the Algerian border, from Tozeur to the ancient city of Sbeitla. Also known as “Sufetula,” Sbeitla is believed to have been the point of entry for the Islamic conquest of Africa. You’ll explore local Roman ruins and sample some wild boar, a contemporary delicacy with ancient roots. After a day of walking, exploring, and feasting, enjoy some rest before our final full day together.

Dougga is the best-preserved Roman town in North Africa, and arguably anywhere on the planet. An archaeologist’s paradise, its ancient temples, bathhouses, mosaics, and original Roman streets still stand as if frozen in time. We’ll aim to visit its massive theater, chariot racing arena, and the remains of the ancient temple known as the Capitol. Then, you’ll embark upon the final leg of your overland journey, looping back to Tunis. Upon returning to the capital, we’ll celebrate our time together with a farewell dinner.

After a final breakfast together, head to the airport and depart for home or your next destination. Until our next adventure!