Since the beginning of recorded history Tunisia has been inhabited by people known as the Berbers. The coast was settled by Phoenicians in the 10th Century B.C. and the city of Carthage was founded in the 9th Century B.C. Tunisia is a mere 80 miles from Sicily. Travelers to Tunisia can expect year round sunshine, safe and beautiful beaches, and world class service in beautifully appointed hotels. There are unique archeological wonders to discover and the vast Sahara Desert beckons to be discovered. The Sahara covers more than 3.5 million square miles of Northern Africa, stretching from the Red Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
Adventurous travelers will feel like they have entered another world the first time they see the Sahara. Tunisia has made travel through parts of the Sahara easy with paved roads and comfortable air conditioned 4 wheel drive travel vehicles. Travelers can experience the harsh, yet beautiful scenery from the comfort of the vehicles and stay in first class hotels or in tented camps. The desert is more than sand dunes, which are magnificent. Some dunes reach several hundred feet high and are constantly in motion from the force of light winds. When travelers reach the desert oasis of Ksar Ghilane they will be greeted by rocky outcrops, date palms, waterfalls, a beautiful salt lake, and market gardens. There are cave dwellings, where scenes from the Star Wars movies were filmed, to be explored. The Sahara is easily accessible from the Mediterranean Sea coast and hotels are along the way so the traveler is never far from a comfortable and luxurious place to rest.
The Residence is a 5 star hotel located on the Mediterranean Sea a few miles north of Carthage. The Residence provides a spa, marble bathtubs and walk in showers. The service is fabulous and truly a 5 star experience. Prices vary by season, starting at $600 for 4 nights in November and December.
Hôtel de Charme Sidi Bou Saïd is an old Arab Mansion with intimate spaces that are each uniquely furnished. There is an old world atmosphere and elegance about this beautiful mansion turned hotel. It is located minutes from Carthage. Prices vary by season and start at $500 for 4 nights in November and December.
There are numerous opportunities for archeological exploration around Tunisia. The sites of Dougga, Thuburbo Majus, Sbeitla and El Jem are exceptionally well preserved and provide the adventurer with sites like ancient mosaics. Many people enjoy the Roman tours. The Roman Empire maintained about 200 cities in Tunisia and their first colony was south of the Mediterranean. There are many sites yet to be excavated, but those already uncovered are remarkably preserved. Visitors will feel as if they have been transported back in time thousands of years. Guided tours are available from many travel sites, and the average cost is about $3,000 for 8 days of exciting archeological discovery.