This is a superb tour for those who want to explore the remarkable legacies of Tunisia’s rich Classical past. We visit a wide range of sites which powerfully convey the history and culture of the intricate civilisations that have populated this lovely semi-desert country. At Carthage we ponder the trading settlement established by Phoenicians traders, becoming a successful trading entrepot, but so decisively destroyed by the Roman military machine in 146 BC. At El Jem we marvel at Africa’s most splendid Roman amphitheatre and get a real feel for what Roman entertainment in this far-flung part of her empire must have been like. And at impressive Dougga we wander amongst the columns and pediments of this huge town, set in a spectacular landscape, and muse on Roman frontier life in this prosperous city. The tour is complemented but visits to excellent archaeological museums, including the world-renowned Bardo, where we get glimpses of everyday life through the elaborate mosaics uncovered at the sites we have visited.

This is a tour not to be missed as we visit some of the most stunning and awe-inspiring archaeological sites in North Africa.

Caught between the clashing influences of Africa and Europe, Tunisia has been a meeting point of cultures throughout history, with a geography as varied as its culture. From the Numidian tribes in 3000 BC to the Tunisian Revolution in December 2010, sparking the so called ‘Arab Spring’, Tunisia is a treasure trove of ruins, ancient cities, architecture and artefacts. The country has seen times of extreme prosperity and decline under Phoenician and Roman rule, and the Arab Muslim Conquest, changing the language, customs and architectural landscape of the country from towering, clean cut pillars to the beautiful and imposing domed grand mosques found in every city. The strategic location of Tunisia has been exploited for centuries and this encouraged acute rivalry between the ancient world’s most powerful peoples – Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans.

Day 1: Arrival. Fly from London to Tunis-Carthage International Airport and transfer to our hotel. Welcome drink and introductory talk. Hotel in Tunis area – 4 nights. (D).

Day 2: Carthage. Spend the morning immersing yourself in the ancient and bloody history of Carthage, steeped in former grandeur and beauty. In the afternoon we return to Tunis to visit the superb Bardo museum with its extensive collection of Punic, Hellenistic, Roman and Christian treasures and largest collection of mosaics in the world. (B, L, D).

Day 3: Utica. This morning we make a short trip to the atmospheric Utica. This was an ancient Punic city which became first capital of the Roman province of Africa and a powerful city in its own right. Its wealth is reflected in the rich houses of its patricians including the amazing House of the Cascades. We return to Tunis for lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the city’s most beautiful sites on a walking tour of the centre. (B, L, D).

Day 4: Cape Bon. A relaxing day enjoying the magnificent Cape Bon peninsula and its lovely sites. We first drive to Kerkouane, an important Punic city destroyed during the First Punic War (264 – 241 BC). With its stunning location above the churning Mediterranean sea we are rewarded with superb views of the coastline as we continue to Nabeul, famous in Roman times for its production of garum (fermented fish sauce). (B, L, D).

Day 5: Kairouan. Leaving Tunis we drive to the fantastic Museum of Islamic Art in Kairouan perusing the treasures and remnants of the biggest cultural change in the history of Tunisia. The afternoon is spent wandering the whitewashed streets of this ancient holy Muslim capital, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its hallowed Great Mosque boasting the oldest minaret in the Muslim west. Hotel in Kairouan – 2 nights. (B, L, D).

Day 6: Sousse and EL Jem. We drive to the Sousse Archaeological Museum, filled with the vibrant mosaics and artefacts that paint a lively picture of life from Classical times, before embarking upon a walking tour of the intriguing 9th century Sousse Medina, a consummate example of Aghlabid military architecture. After lunch we drive to the colossal Amphitheatre of El Jem, perhaps Tunisia’s most splendid Roman remains, and monument of extreme violence, death and delight. Return to Kairouan. (B, L, D).

Day 7: Dougga. Driving through a stunning landscape we journey to the breath-taking ruins of Dougga, one of the most well-known, well preserved and enthralling Roman archaeological sites in Africa. The UNESCO World Heritage Site sits proudly on a hillside, offering spectacular views, enticing visitors to enter its baths, villas and amphitheatres. Here we enjoy exploring the incredible network of ancient streets and alleyways. (B, L, D). Hotel in Dougga - 1 night. (B, L, D).

Day 8: Thurbabo Majis, Uthina and depart. Drive back to Tunis via the stunning scenery of central Tunisia. Stop at the outstanding site of Thurbabo Majis, originally a Punic settlement, becoming particularly prosperous under Roman rule when it collected taxes on trade between the plain and the sea. Here we visit the well-preserved Forum and other civic and religious buildings. Six fine fluted Corinthian columns dominate the site making a great photo opportunity. We then move on to Uthina, whose mosaics we admired in the Bardo museum, with its fine theatre and interesting cisterns. Proceed to Tunis-Carthage International Airport for flight back to London. (B, L).