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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Sousse Pearl Marriott Resort & Spa
• Tunis Marriott Hotel
• Sheraton Tunis Hotel

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.

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

• Guide: How to Save on Airbnb With Points
• How can I save on independent hotel reservations?

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:

• Scotiabank Passport^™ Visa Infinite +* Card
• Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card
• Scotiabank Platinum American Express^® Card

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.

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.