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Tunisia Travel Guide: from Tunis to the Sahara | Itineraries and Highlights

From Tunis to the Sahara, explore the must-see attractions for your trip to Tunisia!

7 min read

Tunisia, the jewel of the Maghreb, is brimming with historical, natural, and cultural treasures waiting to be explored. If you’re planning a trip to Tunisia and intend to follow an itinerary from Tunis, the capital, to Tozeur, deep in the heart of the Sahara, this guide offers a selection of must-see attractions. I stayed there from November 30th to December 7th, and I’m sharing my discoveries with you here.

Tunisia Travel Guide: from Tunis to the Sahara | Itineraries and Highlights - El jem 1

To reach Tunisia from Montréal, see our Tunisair guide. It covers the route to Tunis, North American baggage allowances, and Fidelys rewards. Search the actual travel dates before fixing the rest of the itinerary and arranging airport transport.

Sousse: Relaxation and Culture by the Sea

After a direct flight from Montreal to Tunis on Tunisair, my group and I immediately headed south for a stopover in Sousse, a lively coastal city rich in history.

We visited Sousse’s archaeological museum, in the heart of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The museum houses an impressive collection of Roman mosaics, including the « Triumph of Neptune” and « Bacchus and the Seasons”.

We ended the day at Port El Kantaoui, with its picturesque streets, artisan shops, restaurants, and beautiful 18-hole golf course.

Tunisia Travel Guide: from Tunis to the Sahara | Itineraries and Highlights - sousse

Also not to be missed in Sousse:

  • The Medina: Stroll through its historic streets and explore the bustling souks, rich in spices, carpets and local crafts.
  • The Great Mosque: A 9th-century masterpiece, a symbol of early Islamic art.
  • The Kasbah: A historic fortress dating from the 9th century, located in the medina. If you climb to the top, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the city and port.
  • Boujaafar beaches: Ideal for swimming or water sports, these golden beaches invite you to relax.
  • Suggested accommodation: Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa, the hotel where I stayed, was comfortable and had a lovely beach and pool.

El Jem: A Journey to the Heart of Antiquity

Further south, a stop at the majestic El Jem Colosseum is a must, one of the largest Roman amphitheaters still standing in the world. Built in the 3rd century, this architectural masterpiece reflects the grandeur and significance of the region under the Roman Empire. Walking through its vast arenas and galleries, a guided tour took me back in time. Today, the site hosts international concerts.

Tunisia Travel Guide: from Tunis to the Sahara | Itineraries and Highlights - El Jem

Matmata: A Berber Village with a Unique Setting

En route to the desert further south, we stopped off at Matmata, a Berber village in the desert hills, famous for its troglodyte dwellings. These underground houses, carved out of the rock, offer a glimpse of traditional Berber life. If you’re a film fan, you may recognize these iconic settings, used in the Star Wars saga.

Food & lodging idea: Hotel Diar El Barbar, where I enjoyed a delicious, typically Tunisian meal.

Tunisia Travel Guide: from Tunis to the Sahara | Itineraries and Highlights - troglodytes

Tozeur: Land of Desert and Oasis

Tozeur, the capital of southern Tunisia, is enchanting with its lush palm groves stretching over almost 1,000 hectares. We explored the oasis on foot, but it’s just as enjoyable to do so by bike or scooter. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch a date-picking demonstration, this iconic fruit of the region.

For a bit of cultural immersion, we visited the Eden Palm Museum, highlighting local traditions linked to date palms; the IRADA Eco-camping site, a small plot of land in the oasis with an ecological hut offering activities with local artisans; and Cosmonat-Lobna, a producer of organic skincare products.

Tunisia Travel Guide: from Tunis to the Sahara | Itineraries and Highlights - oasis de tozeur2

Also not to be missed in Tozeur:

  • The Medina: its narrow streets are lined with clay-brick houses featuring unique geometric designs.
  • Dar Cheraït Museum: Immerse yourself in the region’s rich heritage, with reconstructions of traditional scenes.
  • Chott El Jerid: Tunisia’s largest salt lake. Its changing reflections, oscillating between pink and pearly white, offer an unforgettable spectacle, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
  • Mountain Oasis: Take a trip to Chebika, Tamerza and Mides, three oases perched in the heart of the mountains, with waterfalls and spectacular views.
  • Star Wars settings: Film buffs can visit the filming locations of the famous saga, such as Tataouine, located in the desert just a few kilometres from the city.

Accommodation ideas: the chic Palm Beach hotel; Dar Saida Beya, a charming hotel designed in typical traditional style in the center of Tozeur; the Diar Abou Habibi eco-lodge, where authenticity meets comfort.

During my two-day stay in Tozeur, I stayed at the Hotel Kzar Rouge, a friendly hotel with a restaurant, spa and indoor and outdoor pools.

Sbeitla and Its Magnificently Preserved Temples

On the way back to Tunis, we stopped off at Sbeitla, a major archaeological site in Tunisia’s Roman and Byzantine history. The well-preserved site is famous for its forum, featuring three temples dedicated to the Capitoline triad (Jupiter, Juno and Minerva). These majestic ruins bear witness to the prosperity of the ancient city of Sufetula.

Tunisia Travel Guide: from Tunis to the Sahara | Itineraries and Highlights - Sbeitla

Kairouan: A Spiritual Jewel

Then on to Kairouan, considered one of Islam’s holiest cities. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.

I was lucky enough to visit the Great Mosque of Kairouan, an architectural masterpiece erected in the 7th century. Then I explored the Aghlabid basins, ingenious water reservoirs built in the 9th century and once essential to the city’s water supply.

Kairouan’s medina is a veritable treasure trove of handicrafts. I really enjoyed wandering through the narrow streets lined with stores and admiring the handmade carpets, pottery and other local products.

Suggested accommodation: La Kasbah, the very typical hotel where I spent the night, offers comfortable rooms and suites in elegant surroundings.

Tunisia Travel Guide: from Tunis to the Sahara | Itineraries and Highlights - La kaisbah

From Carthage to Sidi Bou Said

Back in Tunis, we finally visited the emblematic sites of Carthage, the legendary ancient city that was the center of the Punic Empire. The Antonine Baths, majestic Roman remains, impressed me with their size and beauty. Carthage’s amphitheatre, although partially in ruins, remains a fascinating testimony to the city’s importance in antiquity.

After this historical exploration, we headed for Sidi Bou Said, a picturesque village known for its white houses with blue shutters. This place, with its narrow, winding streets, offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. I was captivated by the quiet, charming atmosphere of this village, perfect for a coffee break or photo shoot. The small artisan shops and terrace cafés invite leisurely strolling.

Tunisia Travel Guide: from Tunis to the Sahara | Itineraries and Highlights - Carthage

Also not to be missed around Tunis:

  • Bardo National Museum: One of the most important museums in the Arab world, renowned for its remarkable collection of Roman mosaics.
  • Cap Bon cliffs: an hour’s drive away, they offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
  • La Marsa: This chic district of Tunis is ideal for a stroll along the seafront or dinner in one of its many elegant restaurants.
  • The ruins of Dougga: If you have time, make a detour to explore this UNESCO-listed Roman site, considered one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Africa.
  • Suggested accommodation: the Golden Tulip Carthage, located in Gammarth, a popular seaside resort renowned for its many quality hotels.

How to Travel to Tunisia Using Your Reward Points

The only airline offering a direct flight from Montreal to Tunis is Tunisair, which flies there up to 4 times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). Depending on the dates and seasons, a round-trip ticket will cost $1,000 or more.

Use flexible points, such as Scene+ points, NBC Rewards or Aventura points to cover the cost of your ticket. Simply purchase your flight with one of these credit cards, then redeem your points to reimburse the expense, reducing the overall cost of your trip.

In Tunis or Sousse, use your Marriott Bonvoy points to stay at these hotels for free:

These magnificent upscale hotels are available from 25,000 points to 50,000 points per night. With a Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card, you’ll earn Marriott Bonvoy points faster and get a free night certificate after the first year of card ownership. This gives you two ways to get your accommodation at no cost.

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card
Annual fee$120Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months
Up to 70,000 pointsAfter $3,000 in 3 months
Apply Now
Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card
Annual fee$150Welcome offerAfter $5,000 in 3 months
Up to 80,000 pointsAfter $5,000 in 3 months
Apply Now

If you opt instead for independent hotels or Airbnb rentals, check out our guides to saving on your stays with points :

When travelling, avoid the 2.5% foreign currency conversion fee charged by most credit cards. Opt for a credit card with no conversion fees, such as:

Our favourite is the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card, which also gives you 6 free airport VIP lounge visits per year. Use it to visit an airport lounge before you leave Montreal, and another at Tunis airport to to wrap up your journey in style.

Explore Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card

4.5 / 5Our rating reflects the opinion of our editors. It is not influenced by the card issuer.
ScotiabankVisaScene+
Annual fee
$150
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome offer$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
$350
Welcome offer15,000 points after $3,000 in 3 months and 20,000 more after $10,000 total in 6 months. Eligible accounts must be opened by January 3, 2027.
Up to 35,000 points
Ends Jan 3, 2027
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite+* Card for eligible accounts opened by January 3, 2027, you can earn up to 35,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points:

  • 15,000 Scene+ points after charging $3,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months
  • An additional 20,000 Scene+ points after charging $10,000 in purchases to your account within the first six months

Annual bonus. Earn 10,000 Scene+ points each year you make $40,000 in eligible purchases over 12 months. Earn 2,000 additional points for each further $10,000 in eligible purchases in that same year.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

It also includes a new convenient benefit for travellers: enjoy 10 GB of free GigSky global mobile data for 15 days, as well as access to Travel Essentials to use essential apps like messaging, maps, and email while on the go. Cardholders also continue to receive 1 GB of free GigSky mobile data per year, plus a 20% discount on future GigSky purchases.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services
Legal

* Savings and reward potential in first 12 months includes welcome offer value, estimated first year point earn potential, estimated foreign transaction fee savings and airport lounge savings as of Sep 10, 2026:

$150 in travel rewards (15,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients who spend $3,000 within the first 3 months;

$200 in travel rewards (20,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients who spend $10,000 within the first 6 months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) when you spend $40,000 annually on your Account each year (12-months: annual points bonus);

$50 supplementary card annual fee waiver on the first supplementary card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card clients;

$130 in foreign transaction fee savings based on average annual foreign spend per account over the last 24 months (save the 2.5% foreign transaction fee markup typically charged by other card issuers);

$363 in first year point earn potential (36,300 Scene+ points) on everyday purchases based on average annual spend per account over the last 24 months with an average spend of 21% in 3X and 2X accelerator categories combined;

$358 value with a complimentary Visa Airport Companion Program Membership that includes 6 lounge passes (based on a ‘Preferential’ membership valued at approx. CAD$358/USD$259). Currency conversion as of Sep 10, 2026.

Potential First Year Value = up to $1,351 (rounded down to $1,350)

Actual savings and points earned will depend on individual card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer Description and Conditions: The 35,000 Bonus Scene+ Points Offer (the “Offer”) applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + credit card accounts (“Accounts”) that are opened between November 2, 2026, and January 3, 2027 (regardless of the date you apply for the Account) with minimum spend, subject to the conditions below. Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers.

Plus, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + credit cardholder you are always eligible to earn an annual 10,000 Scene+ point bonus with minimum annual eligible purchases, subject to the conditions below.

35,000 Bonus Scene+ Point Offer Conditions: To qualify for 15,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “15,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $3,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account within the first 3 months of the Account open date. To qualify for an additional 20,000 bonus Scene+ points (the “20,000 Point Bonus”), you must have at least $10,000 in eligible purchases posted to your new Account in the first 6 months of the Account open date. Eligible purchases include purchases (less any refunds, returns or other similar credits) but do not include payments, cash advances (including balance transfers or cash-like transactions), interest, fees or other charges.

10,000 Annual Bonus Scene+ Point Conditions: As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + credit cardholder you can earn an annual Scene+ point bonus starting at 10,000 Scene+ points (the “Annual Point Bonus”) when you make at least $40,000 in eligible purchases annually on your Account each year (12-months). Annual period starts from the Account open date and resets every 12 months thereafter. If you switch from another Scene+ eligible Credit Card to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card (vs. it being opened as a new or additional Card), your original Account open date will carry over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card and your annual period for this benefit will begin on the next anniversary of your original Account open date. For example: If you originally opened a Scotiabank®* Gold American Express® Card on January 15, 2022, and switch that Card to the Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025 – your annual period for the 10,000 annual Scene+ point benefit will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next Anniversary) and will reset annually on January 15th afterwards. You can also earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for every additional $10,000 in eligible purchases thereafter in that same year, after the $40,000 annual spend has been reached.

Point Bonus Fulfillment: The applicable point Bonus(es) will be credited within approximately 8 weeks after qualifying for a Bonus, provided the Account is open and in good standing. For Joint Accounts with a Primary Borrower and Co-borrower, the applicable point Bonus will be credited as follows: (i) the 15,000 Point Bonus, the 20,000 Point Bonus, and the Annual Point Bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the Account of the borrower that completed the last transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases (i.e., $3,000, $10,000, or $40,000) in the appropriate time frame (i.e., first 3 months, first 6 months, or first 12 months). If a supplementary cardholder completes the last qualifying transaction to meet the qualifying amount of eligible purchases for the 15,000 Point Bonus, the 20,000 Point Bonus or the Annual Point Bonus, the applicable point Bonus will be credited to the Primary Borrower’s Scene+ account linked to the Account. Points can be transferred between Primary and Co-Borrower or Supplementary Cardholder’s Scene+ accounts by contacting Scene+. The Account is considered in good standing if it is not past due or over limit and the Cardholder(s) is not in breach of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the Account. All other terms and conditions of the Program Terms continue to apply during the Offer Period.

Eligibility and Exclusions: Individuals who are currently or were previously primary or secondary cardholders of a Scotiabank personal credit card in the past 2 years, including those that switch from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card, as well as employees of Scotiabank, are not eligible for the Offer. Subject to the above exclusions, Scotiabank small business credit cardholders are also eligible for the Offer.

Rates and Fees: The current annual fee is $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to co-borrowers and supplementary cardholders). The current preferred annual interest rates for this Account are: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and cash-like transactions). All rates, fees, features and benefits are outlined in the Application Disclosure Statement and are subject to change.

Savings at Shell

Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:

  • Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
  • Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power® gasoline, or V-Power® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
  • Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.

Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.

Additional 3¢/L at Shell (limited time)

Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer valid from October 5, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (“Promotional Period”), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an “Eligible Card”) to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the “Eligible Provinces”) excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.

To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.

The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.

The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.

The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.

Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.

Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.

All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+ and Scotiabank continue to apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 3xWith the partner brand
  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$704
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Bottom Line

A trip to Tunisia is the perfect combination of historical discoveries, natural landscapes and local traditions. From Tunis to Tozeur, each stage allows you to explore a unique aspect of the country, from Mediterranean landscapes and ancient vestiges to oases and the Sahara, via its medinas and beaches. A complete itinerary for those wishing to fully immerse themselves in this destination.

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