Day 1
Flying to Tunis we transfer to the five-star Hotel Golden Tulip, just along the beach from Carthage, for two nights with dinner. Set in extensive landscaped gardens shaded by palm trees, it’s an ideal base for our visits.

Day 2
Today we explore one of archaeology’s greatest sites, Carthage. Established as a Phoenician colony around 800 BC and dominating trade, the city rapidly became the regional superpower, challenging Rome as the leading civilisation of the day. Inevitably they clashed, with the legendary Hannibal bringing Roman power to the verge of collapse, but it was all in vain with Carthage destroyed in 146 BC. However Julius Caesar re-built the city which ironically grew into the Empire’s second largest, with buildings to match! Our tour discovers the thought-provoking Carthaginian necropolis and the impressive merchant and naval harbours which propelled Carthage to greatness. Roman civil engineering was staggering and is incredibly evident in the Malga aqueduct and massive water storage system which unbelievably supplied piped water to 300,000 people. After this is the extraordinary Antonine Bath complex, the world’s third largest, with a gorgeous Mediterranean backdrop.

Next we explore Sidi Boussaid a delightful “Blue and White” village so reminiscent of Spain’s Andalucia with tiled, arched buildings, fine stucco work and winding alleys. Finally we visit the outstanding Bardo Museum and its unrivalled collection of 600 Roman mosaics, some of them almost the size of a house. They are the world's finest and the evident master craftsmen’s exquisite skill creating these spectacular scenes leaves a deep impression. Also displayed is astonishing gold and silverware recovered from Carthaginian tombs.

Day 3
This morning we enjoy a tour of historic Tunis, for four hundred years the Islamic world’s richest city. Commencing in the graceful tree-lined Government Square, famed for its grandiose colonnaded buildings, we are then immersed in the sights, sounds and scents of the labyrinthine Medina. At its heart, the 9th century Zitouna Mosque exudes tranquillity; its classic structure includes 160 Carthaginian columns. You discover numerous traditional markets rambling through the maze of narrow alleys, offering everything from hand-woven garments and a myriad of olives to exotic spices in a dazzling array of colours and scents. Another highlight is the old slave market, now dedicated to quality gold working punctuated by characteristic cafés where locals watch the world go by over ornate shisha pipes.

Driving into the countryside dotted by the odd shepherd, mirage-like, the extraordinary Roman city of Dougga gradually appears with its remoteness ensuring simple houses still exist with substructures and water systems largely intact, affording an excellent impression of Roman life. Temples tower over the surrounding streets and you can sit in the wonderfully preserved theatre almost sensing the impending drama!

We stay and dine at the superb five-star hotel La Kasbah in the remarkable city of Kairouan. Built in a traditional style this exceptional hotel has been cleverly created from a series of restored buildings, including the 9th century city walls. The rooms are beautifully furnished as befits its rating, there is a good sized pool set in a private courtyard with the spacious public rooms making extensive use of marble.

Day 4
Kairouan, was regarded as Islam’s fourth holiest city after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem and offers a tantalising glimpse of an older world just about drawn into the 21st century. At its heart is the Sidi Uqba Mosque, Africa’s oldest and the precursor of all mosques in the western Islamic world. The re-use of Roman columns and fascinating juxtaposition of symbols from Christianity and Judaism is dominated by the world’s oldest minaret, whilst in the Prayer Hall, pillars of still-shining Carthaginian marble support 17 aisles of a magnificent interior.

More treasures of this remarkable city follow, including the amazing 9th century Aghlabid water cisterns, still used, horse powered and a true glimpse into the medieval world.

We take the short drive to the old city of Hammamet staying two nights at the five-star Hotel Sindbad just a short walk along the beach from the original fishing village well away from the brash new town, beside the calm, blue Mediterranean. Low-rise, set in lush gardens, Moorish in style, with a spa and three pools it a true Hotel du Charme. We dine in the hotel’s superior restaurant.

Day 5
This morning we visit the second city of Roman Africa El Jem, whose magnificent amphitheatre, the third largest ever built is one of the world’s most remarkably intact ancient structures. Most of the internal supporting structure remains and is far better preserved than Rome’s Colosseum on which it was modelled.

Our tour gives a superb insight into the imperial engineer’s complex construction techniques and the gore and glory of the spectacles which took place here. From the terraces you can imagine the gladiator’s plight, a baying crowd determining his fate. Indeed this very scene was enacted during the making of the film Gladiator partly shot here as was Monty Python’s, Life of Brian.

Returning to the Hotel Sindbad, the afternoon is free to relax, perhaps take a stroll along the beach to Hammamet’s wonderfully atmospheric old Medina.

Day 6
Today you will return to the airport at the appropriate time for your return flight.

The Golden Tulip – Overlooking the Bay of Gammarth, the Golden Tulip Hotel has been inspired by Ancient Greek architecture. The spacious lobby has fine marble flooring with an array of Tunisian mosaics along with striking Greek columns. A Roman style Courtyard surrounds the large outdoor swimming pool and terrace. The hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool, 3 bars, 3 restaurants, a Moorish Cafe and spa facilities. All of the rooms have air conditioning, TV, safe and mini bar.

The Kasbah hotel - Situated in the heart of Kairouan, Arab-Islamic in design, this historic hotel is built within a 9th Century wall and harmoniously blends into the city's architecture. It has recently been constructed keeping ancient areas such as the Turkish café which have completely been restored. The design of the elegant rooms has been inspired by traditional Tunisian houses, featuring colourful tiling and wooden coving and offer all the facilities that you expect of such a property. The hotel offers a large outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers, 2 restaurants, a Moorish cafe, spacious lobby with Tunisian marble flooring with a lounge and bar area and an outdoor terrace.

The Sindbad hotel - This charming hotel has an enviable beach front location in the old town of Hammamet close to the Medina, surrounded by lush gardens with palm trees and exotic plants. The Pool Lounge and Bar, overlooks the beach and offers a relaxed atmosphere in chic comfortable surroundings by day and night. There is also an indoor pool and a second outdoor pool. The hotel offers 3 bars, 3 restaurants, a private beach with free use of sun beds and a spacious lobby/lounge area. The Moorish style rooms are decorated in a contemporary style with North African influences and are located around the grounds of the hotel complex. All rooms have either a private terrace or balcony with a garden view, air conditioning, mini bar, safe and satellite TV.