Exploring the Wonders of Tunisia: Unveiling the secrets of Sousse and beyond! 🏜
Hello, fellow wanderers! Ah, Tunisia – a land steeped in history, adorned with natural wonders, and a cultural tapestry that fascinates every traveler’s soul. Last May, our travel team embarked on an enchanting adventure through this North African gem. Our journey was a blend of historical discoveries, desert escapades, and encounters with the warmth of Tunisian hospitality (and sun). 🌞
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This post will tell you more about the places we visited throughout the country and will end with some helpful and practical tips you need to know before setting off to Tunisia. Do you join us on our adventure?! ✈
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Sousse: A Stroll Through History 🕌
Our adventure began in Sousse, a coastal city boasting a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The heart of Sousse is its historical city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We were transported back in time as we wandered through its narrow winding streets, adorned with wonderful architecture and echoes of civilizations long past.
We stayed in a resort at Sousse for a couple of days to enjoy some relaxing, sunny days at the beach. Here, we got ourselves ready for a three-day excursion through Tunisia which we booked at the resort. This tour shows you the most wonderful gems of Tunisia in only a small amount of time. Definitely recommend! 🚍
El Djem: Colosseum of North Africa 🏛
The first stop of the excursion tour was the awe-inspiring El Djem, a true marvel of Roman engineering and architecture. This colossal ampitheater amazed us with its grandeur and history that unfolded within its ancient walls. Standing amidst the ruins, we could almost hear the roars of the crowd from centuries past.
Matmata: Unveiling the Sahara’s Secrets 🐫
Our journey then took us to the Rocky Desert Sahara in Matmata, a surreal landscape that felt like it belonged in a different world. Afterwards we ventured into the underground troglodyte houses, where we glimpsed the ingenious adaptation to the desert’s harsh realities, marveling at the resilience of the people who have called this place home for generations. In the afternoon we got the real Sahara desert vibes by riding on a quad through the dunes and spotting the camels in the distance. An adventure to never forget!
Tozeur: Traversing the Salt Lake and Date Palm Groves 🌅🌴
Tozeur, an oasis town, greeted us with its serenity and natural beauty. We first got a glimpse of this town through a wonderful early morning sunrise experience. After that, we drove to the salt lake, which was an even more mesmerizing sight, with its shimmering waters and the promise of tranquility. A ride through the date palm groves in the afternoon was a delight to the senses, immersing us in the lush greenery and the sweet scent of dates. The only dissapointment was the harsh treatment of the horses that rode us through the date palm groves. The dates were really tasty though!
Looking for more exciting activities in Tunisia? Discover a world of fun adventures on GetYourGuide!
Jeep Safari: A Star Wars Affair in the Sahara 🚙
Our adrenaline surged as we embarked on a jeep safari on the last day of our excursion. This safari was a thrilling experience in the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert. At a certain point of time during the drive, our jeep got stuck in the sand and everyone had to help and push to get the jeep driving again, adding a dash of unexpected excitement to our expedition. Our journey luckily continued and led us to the iconic Star Wars film decor set, where we walked around for a bit.
Kairouan: A Shopper’s Delight 💰
Our adventure concluded with a visit to a vibrant market store in Kairouan, where we immersed ourselves in the lively atmosphere and indulged in some souvenir hunting. The kaleidoscope of colors, aromas, and bustling energy made for a perfect end to our Tunisian journey.
Essential Tips for Your Tunisian Adventure ‼
Before setting out on your Tunisian journey, here are some valuable insights and tips to enhance the travel experience:
🧕 Cultural Sensitivities and Etiquette: Tunisia has a rich and diverse culture influenced by various civilizations. It’s crucial to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially in rural and conservative areas. Women want to wear loose-fitting clothes that cover their arms and legs.
💵 Bargaining and Dealing with Persistent Sellers: Tunisian markets are vibrant and bustling, offering a lot of types of souvenirs and local crafts. Be prepared for enthusiastic sellers who might employ persistent sales tactics. It’s common to haggle over prices, so don’t hesitate to negotiate in a friendly and respectful manner.
💸 Currency and Payment: The official currency of Tunisia is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). While major hotels and tourist areas accept credit cards, it’s advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. Currency exchange can be done at banks, exchange offices, or hotels.
💬 Language: Arabic is the official language, and French is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas. But English will be sufficient as well in most places.
🚌 Transportation: Tunisia has a reliable and affordable public transportation system, including buses and trains. Taxis are also a common mode of transportation, but it’s essential to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
🤳 E-sim: Do you want to have internet without having to buy a prepaid sim upon arrival or without having to switch phone numbers, then we would recommend buying an e-sim. Read more about it or buy one at Airalo!
💉 Health and Safety: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. It’s advisable to consult your doctor for any necessary vaccinations before travelling. Stay hydrated, especially in the desert regions, and use sunscreen and appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
Tunisia offers a blend of historical and natural wonders. Embrace the unique experiences, savor the local cuisine (the best couscous ever), and engage with the welcoming people. Your trip to Tunisia will be a memorable journey filled with discovery and wonder.
Our trip to Tunisia was wonderful with threads of sun and relaxation, history, adventure, wonderful nature, and cultural discoveries. Each step we took, each sight we beheld, enriched our understanding of the diverse and beautiful nation. Tunisia, with its ancient treasures and desert wonders, will forever hold a special place in our hearts. 💞
Thank you for joining us on this expedition through time and dunes. Until our next adventure, fellow explorers! 👋
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