Tunisia Expedition

Trip Code: XLSE

Why we love it

Explore some of the local underground dwellings of Matmata, before enjoying lunch in a troglodyte restaurant where mythical scenes from Star Wars Episodes I, II, III and VI were filmed., Wander the largest medina in North Africa in Tunis, navigating the twisting alleyways to discover tiny stores overflowing with goods, ancient mosques and bustling squares., Marvel at the spectacular Roman amphitheatre of El Jem. This 3rd-century structure rises impressively above the surrounding city, playing host to gladiators, musicians, villagers and many more throughout its life., Meet local female artisans in their workshops and homes and learn how they’re keeping their crafts and art practices alive. Sample local sweets, share home-cooked meals and join in on local cooking demonstrations., Trek through the Sahara with local Amazigh guides, then settle in at a desert camp to watch the sunset over the epic sea of dunes.

Is this trip right for me?

This trip has included and optional hiking activities that will be most enjoyable with a good level of fitness and proper footwear. We recommend packing comfortable, closed-toed shoes with good support, suitable for rocky terrain.

Camping in the Sahara is a fantastic experience. The facilities are quite comfortable. It is a fixed camp with fixed tents with proper beds, blankets and very close bathroom and shower facilities. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night. You do not need to bring a sleeping bag, but warm clothes are highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months.

Quite a bit of walking is involved when visiting some of the historic and other sites on the trip. Sometimes there is no shade, so remember to bring a hat, sun protection and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

This trip includes hikes on rocky terrain. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes with good support.

Important information

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

What to bring/pack

Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip.

GENERAL PACKING LIST
- Passport & photocopy + copy saved on phone
- Visa (if required) & photocopy + copy saved on phone
- Flight tickets
- Credit/debit cards
- Personal medication + copies of prescriptions
- Phone
- Charger
- Travel adapter (plug types C or E)
- Power bank
- Daypack
- Toiletries
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Tissues
- Earplugs & eye mask
- Refillable water bottle
- Quick drying towel
- Underwear & socks
- Sleepwear
- Swimwear + something to cover up for women ie. sarong, caftan, etc
- Light-weight, loose, long-sleeved tops for good sun protection
- Tops that cover the shoulders & midriff for both men & women
- Light-weight, loose, long pants or skirts
- Scarf for women for when visiting religious sites or to cover nose & mouth if windy in the desert
- Wind & waterproof jacket
- Warmer layers for nights in the desert
- Gloves, scarf & hat if travelling in colder months (Dec - Mar)
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Closed-toed shoes suitable for rocky terrain

LUGGAGE LIMIT
On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and, although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage, we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg.

VALUABLES
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safes to store extra cash, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents, e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

RESTRICTED ITEMS
Generally, drones are not permitted into any North African destination, or they require registration and pre-approval. Please refer to your airline carrier if you are considering taking a drone on your travels, or check out drone laws by country online. We have also had some reports of binoculars being confiscated or causing a delay in customs if carried in hand luggage.  

Physical rating

3

Joining your group

Majestic Hotel - Tunis, 36 Ave De Paris, Tunis, TUNISIA, Phone: +216 71 332 666

The Art-Nouveau style Majestic Hotel is situated in the heart of Tunis, overlooking the Jardin Habib Thameur, just 500 m from the metro and bus station. Each air-conditioned room at the Majestic has a private bathroom. This hotel features 2 restaurants and breakfast is included.

Alternate Joining Point


Joining instructions

Majestic hotel located in the heart of the capital. Metered Taxis are available out side the airport terminal. Private airport transfers are available for pre-booking through Intrepid. Contact your agent for details. If you have pre-booked a transfer, please look for your name on the transfer barrier when exiting the customs area. A representative will be there to collect you.

For public transport take the 35 bus to the the Tunis Marine, (leaves every 15 minutes) then switch to the metro and take line 4 to Place de la Republique, the hotel is just a few minutes from the the metro.

Please note that hotel rooms are generally only available after 1 pm, so if you are arriving early we recommend that you also book accommodation for the night before.

Finishing your trip

Majestic Hotel - Tunis, 36 Ave De Paris, Tunis, TUNISIA, Phone: +216 71 332 666

Alternate Finish Point


Meals & dietary information

Breakfasts included: 11

Lunches included: 4

Dinners included: 9

While meat or seafood is often the default option, for vegetarians many traditional dishes may be made without meat on request such as couscous, kafteji (eggplant & potato dish eaten with bread), sandwiches, slata mechwiya (grilled, mashed vegetables) and pasta. Vegans will find things harder due to the inclusion of eggs and dairy in many dishes and may have very limited options while travelling. For those following a gluten-free diet, travel in Tunisia may be very challenging as bread, pasta & couscous are staples of many meals so bringing some of your own supplies might be required.

Climate & seasonal information

CLIMATE
Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate that is characterised by a dry, hot summer (average 31C) and fresh, humid winters (average 16C).

RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan will be in progress from 11 Mar - 9 Apr 2024 & 1 Mar - 29 Mar 2025 with the Eid ul-Fitr festival held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

Ramadan month can differ from country to country and region to region, it can be a wonderful inclusion in your travels. If you have concerns about travelling at this time, please check with Intrepid or your booking agent before your departure.

In case of emergency

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Intrepid's Local Operator: +216 27522442

Accommodations

Transportation