Tours and multi-centre holidays in Tunisia

Seaside havens and desert delights

From verdant hill country and rolling Saharan dunes to Mediterranean beaches and ancient marvels, Tunisia has a huge variety of landscapes and places, making it a great destination to explore on a tour or multi-centre holiday.

Many tourists come to Tunisia for its golden beaches and to stay in sunny resorts such as Hammamet, Sousse or on the island of Djerba. Its coastal towns are indeed a fantastic place for a classic slice of sun, sea and sand. But this is one of north Africa's most fascinating and hospitable countries that rewards further exploration.

Coast and culture

One way to appreciate Tunisia's diverse beauty is to split your journey between the capital Tunis and the beach towns of the east coast. The resorts of Sousse or Hammamet offer miles of golden beaches, water-sports, restaurants, souks and hotels galore. Alternatively, the artist's town of Sidi Bou Said is a good spot if you prefer a more relaxed and traditional vibe. This blue-and-white medieval port town has been frequented by a bevy of famous artists over the years, including Paul Klee and Henri Matisse, and is an enchanting place to start your Tunisian odyssey.

At only 20km south of Tunis, Sidi Bou Said makes a great alternative base to the capital if you are not keen on staying in a bustling city. All the cultural highlights of Tunis, including its fantastic UNESCO-listed medina and the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Carthage, are easily accessed via short forays from Sidi Bou Said. The Dar Said hotel is one charming accommodation option for travellers who want to spend a few days exploring the scented gardens and winding streets of the pedestrianized old town.

To the north-west is 'green Tunisia' with its own subtropical microclimate where verdant hills roll down towards the azure sea. As the town of Sidi Bou Said on the east coast has a reputation as an artist's hub, so the pretty town of Tabarka on the north-west coast is known for its music. In particular, July sees the town host a renowned jazz festival. With a wide sweep of white sand, a Genoese fortress and great hiking, the area makes a good alternative coastal retreat for those who want to enjoy nature and some time on the beach without the tourist hordes.