Tunisian Sahara two-day tour of Hollywood film hotspots

Kairouan Holy City and El Jem tour from Hammamet

Kairouan's old town echoes Tunisia's past, with a peaceful air that hasn't changed much in centuries. On this tour, you'll discover history-drenched locations such as the Roman colosseum of El Djem, Africa's second-oldest mosque and the medina of Kairouan. Karim, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Kairouan is Tunisia's holiest destination, renowned for its fine Islamic architecture. The interior of the Great Mosque is all endless pillars and arches, colourful carpets, and chandeliers shaped like pine trees that add to the beauty of the space. Even the drains are decorated with intricate stonework.'We'll start off in the walled city of Kairouan. Protected by sandstone walls, the old town offers medina is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses with brightly painted shutters and brick-laid archways, perfect for exploring. Then you'll visit Kairouan's unmissable Great Mosque - considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the region. As well as the mosque's splendid interior, the complex also features a large prayer hall, an arcaded courtyard, and a minaret.Another important site in Kairouan is the Sidi Sahbi mausoleum, known for its beautiful tilework and stucco decorations – it's a popular site for pilgrimages. Next, there's a stop for lunch before visiting El Djem amphitheatre, the third-largest built by the Romans. During its heyday, up to 35,000 spectators would pack its steep stands to watch gladiatorial fights.

Tunisian Sahara two-day tour of Hollywood film hotspots

Imagine a place where the sands of the desert have been touched by the magic of Hollywood stardust. You've found it with this two-day tour, which'll show you some of Tunisia's most famous film locations. You'll visit a Roman amphitheatre, explore underground cave houses, cross a vast salt lake and discover a secluded oasis at the fringes of the Sahara. Hamdi, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Between Matmata and Douz, there are endless “ergs” – sand dunes – in the restless desert. This desert is not a dead entity, it's even cultivated in places by those who inhabit it. The sands come alive according to the seasons.'Embark on your sandy adventure at El Jem Colosseum. This ancient Roman theatre would seat an audience of 35,000, entertained by gladiatorial fights and chariot races. You'll then head to Matmata, where you'll have lunch and visit the rock-cut cave homes that starred in two Star Wars films. Finish the day in the oasis town of Douz – surrounded with date palms – for an overnight stay. This is a great spot to take an optional camel or carriage ride in the desert.After breakfast, you'll cross Chott el Djerid, a mirage-filled salt lake, before jumping into a 4x4 for a ride to Onk Jemal, where you'll discover the film set city built for Star Wars. After lunch in Gafsa, you'll round off the tour with a photo stop in Kairouan, a great place to take lots of Instagram-worthy pictures of the intricately decorated Islamic architecture that the town is known for.

Highlights of Sousse & Monastir

Like shimmering mirages on the desert horizon, Sousse, Port El Kantaoui and Monastir are a trio of Tunisia's must-sees. Explore ancient fortresses, atmospheric medinas and the magnificent Bourguiba Mausoleum on this full day tour.Your first stop is Monastir. Bring the past to life and admire ancient architecture in the old quarter, before seeing the intricate minarets, mosaics and archways beneath the golden dome of Bourguiba Mausoleum. The city's star turn however, is the Ribat Fortress – an early Islamic stronghold that has guarded the waterfront for over a thousand years.Next up is Sousse, a city where history is etched into every cobblestone. Wander through the bustling medina, a treasure trove of trinkets and handicraft, then make your way to the contemporary marina of Port El Kantaoui. Here, you'll round off the tour with some free time to meander among the luxury yachts dotting the harbour.

Sheherazade Dinner Show

Tunisia's culture and cuisine are as exotic as her spice-scented souks suggest. And with hospitality as friendly as this, you'll not want to leave.Experience an evening of traditional Tunisian food and entertainment, worthy of a sheikh's court. You'll start off with a guided tour of a reconstructed medina, where the cafes, market stalls and buildings have all been designed to showcase Arabian culture. From here, you'll head to the Museum of Religions and the Palace of the Thousand and One Nights, before hopping on a replica of the pirate ship Barberousse. The real vessel used to sail around in the 15th century. Afterwards, a meze of tasty local dishes will be waiting to warm up your appetite, courtesy of some of the country's best chefs. Quality live performances will accompany you across the evening as you embrace the arabesque atmosphere. The stars of the night are the storytelling sessions. Scheherazade will seduce you with a spellbinding show based on the classic Middle Eastern folk tale, One Thousand and One Nights.

Pirate Boat Trip

Many are the places that trade on their pirate past, but few can actually match Tunisia's authentic heritage in this department. Now you can immerse yourself in this swashbuckling world with a day at sea which includes snacks and drinks on board a replica pirate galley.

Taste the food and culture with a local family in Hammamet

Join a local family in Hammamet at their dining table for a cultural culinary journey that transports you into an entirely different world.

Friguia Tierpark

Friguia Park is more than a zoo – it's an animal kingdom where you can see and meet everything from antelopes to zebras. On this guided tour, you'll spend the morning getting up close to more than 60 species of animals – it's the perfect outing for all the family.Tunisia's first zoo, Friguia protects and preserves the most endangered species. Stroll along the elevated trails and learn about the park's well-cared-for animals, which are divided in spacious habitats per species. Over in the wetlands you can see pink flamingos and pelicans, while in the savannah you can observe zebras, elephants, tigers, lions and leopards.Take a break from exploring and let the cheeky sea lions entertain you during a live performance. What's more, there's a dolphin show where you can see the friendly mammal perform impressive tricks. If you're feeling peckish, grab a snack from the cafeteria and sit back and relax at the picnic area. All this in the space of a morning, meaning you'll be back at your hotel to spend the afternoon doing whatever you like.

El Jem Colosseum Tour with Pirate Boat Cruise

Prepare for an adventure that takes in Tunisia's Roman roots and pirate past. You'll visit an amphitheatre to rival that of Rome with a tour of El Jem – an ancient colosseum where gladiator games once took place. Then, take to the waves for a swashbuckling afternoon at sea that includes swim stops, lunch and snacks aboard a replica pirate galley.This UNESCO World-Heritage site of El Jem is soaked in history. You'll be captivated by its stone-cut walls, fine-tuned archways and three-floor facade, a testament of glory to what was the Roman Empire. Take a seat in the age-old stadium and admire the arena below, just like they did in times gone by.Then, we'll cast off from Monastir harbour into the Mediterranean, just as the Barbary pirates did for centuries. But while they struck fear into European coastal communities as far afield as Iceland, we'll be going out to have wholehearted fun. There'll be stops to dive into the sea for swimming and plenty of time to dry off on-board while chillin' with water drinks and munching on snacks.