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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.