Joanna James
Tunisia is a colourful, fascinating nation blessed with balmy Mediterranean coastlines and historical attractions. Here is a guide to help you explore it within five days.
Hire a car at the Tunis Carthage International Airport to get to your hotel or resort. You'll find car hire companies at the arrival area. Driving conditions are poor in the country. It is better to hire a car with a driver to get to your resort. On your first day, simply bask in the luxurious facilities at your hotel. Most Tunisia resorts offer spa facilities with hammam rituals. You'll get to enjoy a soothing cleansing ritual complete with washing, steaming, exfoliating and invigorating massages. Afterwards, feast on delectable food under the light of stars in Berber style.
Go for a drive across the rugged desert to discover the imposing heights of the Atlas Mountains and the spell of the iridescent salt flats. You can pause a moment to capture pictures of ancient ruins from times ago, gaze at the canyon waterfall and wonder at the desert rock formations. The shifting sand dunes add to the marvel of the desert. Imagine yourself a desert wanderer from eons ago walking through the villages of Chebika (now abandoned). Resorts such as the Anantara Tozeur Resort facilitate such experiences.
UNESCO World Heritage site, Medina is an older part of Tunis. The narrow streets of Medina are scattered with souqs and various artisan workshops. The vibrantly painted doors of residential buildings add charm to the entire area. Explore the historic palaces and mosques. The madrassas of Medina are extravagantly adorned with marble columns and decorated tiles. You can drink coffee at a busy café and buy shisha pipes or colourful shoes.
Located on the outskirts of Tunis, the Bardo museum possesses an inspiring collection of Roman mosaics. Back in the day, Tunisia was an important region for the Roman Empire. The collection at the museum tells tales of Roman villas, grand baths and temples that used to stand tall across Tunisia. There is also a 19th-century palace complex at the museum. This complex belonged to the monarchs of Tunis known as 'Beys'. You should look to hire a local guide to go around the tour of the museum. Failing which, there is an audio guide available at the museum.
The Roman heritage site Carthage is located about 10 miles from Tunis. It was once a powerful city belonging to the ancient world. The area is a UNESCO heritage site. You can go to see the remnants of a Roman amphitheatre and ancient Antonine baths from the heydays of Roman indulgence. Carthage museum is a good place to discover the historical tale of the locality. About a mile away from Carthage, you'll find the cobbled lanes of Sidi Bou Said. Tucked away safely on the crags above the Gulf of Tunis, this peaceful village exudes a storybook charm. The homes are whitewashed, and the windows and doors are pleasantly blue. Take a picture for posterity.
Happy travels!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
