Destination: Tunisia

Traveling through Tunisia is a seamless experience, whether you’re embarking on an odyssey via a small coach or opting for the convenience of taxis, which are both abundant and cost-effective. The country boasts a modern road network that intricately navigates through its diverse landscapes, linking various towns and villages. For those looking for an alternative mode of transportation, buses offer reliable services that connect major cities and smaller towns, providing a practical travel solution. In Tunis, travelers can also utilize the efficient Tram network known as the “Métro lége” to move around the capital city with ease.

In urban hubs, Odyssey accommodations are strategically situated in central 4-star hotels across Tunisia, ensuring convenient access to public transportation. In more remote towns or rural settings, our preference leans towards family-operated hotels or cosy guesthouses. For extended tours where you remain in one place for the duration, we opt for serviced apartments to provide a comfortable and homely stay.

Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which you can learn as much as possible about the history and culture of places you visit.

Located in the northern part of Africa, Tunisia is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the east and north. The country is characterized by the majestic Atlas Mountains in the northern region and the vast Sahara Desert in the south. The bustling capital of Tunisia is Tunis. The climate in Tunisia is predominantly Mediterranean, with mild winters featuring moderate rainfall and hot, dry summers. To make the most of your visit, it is advisable to keep track of weather updates and dress appropriately based on the season you plan to travel.

Tunisia boasts 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each holding profound historical and cultural significance. These sites are treasures waiting to be explored, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich past. Among the standout locations is the archaeological site of Thugga/Dougga, showcasing the grandeur of a Romanised Numidian town through its remarkable ruins. The Medina of Tunis stands as one of the earliest Arabo-Muslim towns in the Maghreb, dating back to 698 A.D., while Kairouan, the primary holy city in the Maghreb region, delights visitors with its stunning architectural legacy, notably the Great Mosque. Each of these sites is a testament to Tunisia’s diverse heritage and is well worth a visit for those able to experience their awe-inspiring beauty firsthand.

Tunisia boasts a rich tapestry of vibrant festivals that celebrate its music, crafts, and cultural heritage. Among these, the renowned Yasmine Hammamet festival stands out for its dynamic live music performances, while the international Jazz festival in Tabarka attracts music enthusiasts from around the globe. Another notable event is the Tunisian Medina festival, a captivating celebration held in the heart of Tunis during the sacred Islamic month of Ramadan. This festival comes alive with bustling street shows, medieval attire, and an array of jubilant festivities that honor Tunisia’s rich cultural legacy.

In Kenneth Perkins’s second edition of “A History of Modern Tunisia,” the focus extends from 2004 to the present day, with a notable exploration of the Tunisian revolution of 2011. This revolution marked the inception of the Arab Spring and sparked analogous movements throughout the Arab world. The book commences with an overview of Tunisia leading up to the French protectorate in 1881, delving into the impact of colonialism and the evolution of a nationalist movement that led to the termination of the protectorate in 1956. It further analyses the initial three decades of independence, during which anticolonial leaders consolidated political power, devised economic strategies, and championed social and cultural reforms to modernize the state and society. The concluding chapter scrutinizes the 2011 revolution and Tunisia’s pivotal role in the Arab Spring. This comprehensive narrative provides an unparalleled English-language account of Tunisia’s history, spanning a wide timeframe and offering a detailed exploration of the nation’s evolution.

“Ifriqiya: Thirteen Centuries of Art and Architecture in Tunisia” embarks on a journey through the Islamic architecture of the Maghreb, unveiling a civilization that has produced significant works of art across centuries. Various Islamic dynasties such as the Abbasids, Aghlabids, Fatimids, Zirids, Almohads, Hafsids, and Ottomans, along with Islamic schools and movements, have left an indelible mark on Tunisia’s artistic landscape. This Islamic artistry in Tunisia serves as a convergence of diverse influences, blending local artistic customs with elements from Andalusia, the East, and Arab, Roman, and Berber traditions against the backdrop of its rich natural surroundings.

Tunisian cuisine boasts a bold and diverse culinary landscape infused with a rich tapestry of influences from various historical powers like the Romans, Arabs, Turks, and French. Reflecting Islamic dietary laws, the consumption of pork is strictly forbidden in Tunisia. The traditional meat staples include lamb, beef, as well as more unconventional options like goat, camel, and poultry. Signature dishes such as lamb tagine, shorba (spicy vegetable and beef soup), brick (a savory filled pastry), and fingers of Fatima (pancakes with minced meat and eggs) showcase the country’s gastronomic prowess. Typically, these dishes are accompanied by couscous and grilled vegetables. Mint tea and coffee stand out as the quintessential beverages in Tunisian culture. While the Islamic law prohibits alcohol consumption, Tunisians sometimes disregard this restriction, with many indulging in alcohol in hotels and restaurants where it is freely available. Supermarkets also stock alcoholic beverages and beer during specific hours, catering to both locals and tourists.

Although much of the country is safe to travel in, however independent travellers should consider avoiding the boarders to Libya and Algeria regions due to underlying local tensions.

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. The electricity supply runs at 230V, 50Hz. Tunisian plugs, types C and E, have two round pins. These are shared most of the European countries, including France, Spain and Germany.