2008 March
Wed 05 Leave Canada
Leave from Toronto Pearson International Airport for your overnight Alitalia flight to Milan
Thu 06 Arrive Tunis
Changing aircraft in Milan continue to Tunis; meet your escort and local guide. Transfer to the Hotel Renaissance Tunis to stay 3 nights in sea-view rooms with a balcony. Welcome Dinner.(D)
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tunbr-renaissance-tunis-hotel/
Fri 07 Tunis & Carthage
Today, an morning excursion features the historical and cultural center of Tunis, its medina or old town. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site see mosques and numerous souks - markets selling leather, silk, and jewelry. Visit the famed Bardo Museum, the best collection of Roman mosaics in the world.
This afternoon visit the ruins of Carthage, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the Roman Amphitheatre and public baths. Explore the Hellenic village of Sidi Bousaid, painted in white and blue like houses on the Greek Island of Santorini, and perched on a cliff above the Gulf of Tunis. (BL)
Sat 08 Tunis
Visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dougga, the best preserved Roman city in north Africa. Explore the beautiful open air theater and the capitol. Next it's on to the important Roman archaeological site of Tuborbou Majus, with its forum, capitol, and public baths. (BL)
Sun 09 Tunis Gafsa Tozeur
Depart on a scenic drive to Tozeur, stopping en routefor lunch in the Saharan oasis town of Gafsa. Arrive in Tozeur at the Hotel Ras el Ain to stay 3 nts. (BLD) www.goldenyasmin.com/ras-el-ain/en/index.htm
Mon 10 Tozeur
Take in the architecture, markets, and souks of the city as you visit the Saharian Zoo and Botanical Gardens and the the Dar Chraiet Museum, a folk museum with exhibits that include period clothing, wedding dresses, pottery, and ancient weapons. (BD)
Tue 11 Sahara Safari
A real highlight - a fascinating safari expedition by four-wheel-drive vehicle into the Sahara Desert. Take in the romance and mystery of the desert, and revel in the striking contrast with the fertile oasis you'll explore. If you've seen the movie The English Patient, you'll recognize this enchanting locale. Tonight enjoy dinner and wine under a silken tent, with entertainment. (BLD)
Wed 12 Tozeur Douz
Depart Tozeur for Degueche; ride by horse-drawn carriage under the lush palms of the oasis. Explore the impressive array of flora cultivated in this fertile spot surrounded by dryness. Then by motorcoach cross the Great Dry Salt Lake, Chott el Jerid, where mirages appear in the stark landscape. Arrive at Douz, the doorway to the Sahara, to stay the night at the el Mouradi Hotel in a room with a view of the Sahara Desert. www.elmouradi.com This afternoon saddle up like a local for a short camel ride led by Bedouins. You'll stop for a refreshing party in the desert. (BLD)
Thu 13 Douz Djerba
LV Douz: Today explore the astonishing cave dwellings at the Berber village of Matmata, where scenes from two Star Wars movies were filmed. You may see a local celebrity, 83-year-old Fatima, who has been featured in many postcards and publications. Then tour the seaport oasis of Gabes and the spice markets of Jara before a ferry ride to the island of Djerba where you will stay two nights at the Djerba Beach Hotel in a sea-view room with a balcony. (BLD) www.iberostar.com/EN/Djerba-hotels/Iberostar-Djerba-Beach_3_84.html#
Fri 14 Djerba
Tour of island and visit a local pottery. See the ornate El Djerba synagogue, one of the oldest in the world. Jews and Muslims have lived in harmony here for hundreds of years. Visit Houmt Essouk, the island's capital. (BD)
Sat 15 Djerba Sousse
LV Djerba by Ferry to Gabes, stopping in Sfax, the second largest city in Tunisia, for lunch. Then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Jem, famed for its massive, imposing Roman amphitheatre before arriving in Sousse.
AR Sousse at the Hasdrubal Hotel to stay three nights in a sea-view room. (BLD) www.hasdrubal-hotel.com
Sun 16 Sousse
This morning visit the beautiful seaside resort of Monastir, the fortified monastery at Ribat, the Bourguiba Mausoleum, and the Sousse Museum. Walk through the Sousse medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BLD)
Mon 17 Sousse
Today tour the holy city of Kairouan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring the medina and a visit to a carpet factory and local workshop. Tonight a Farewell Dinner, with wine. (BD)
Tue 18 Homeward bound.
Early morning departure by Alitalia via Milan arriving in Toronto in the early afternoon where arrangements end.
Cost Includes:
- Alitalia flights Toronto Milan Tunis and return.
- All transfers, sightseeing and inter-city drives in Tunis by air-conditioned private vehicle except on March 11 when 4-wheel drive vehicles will be used for the desert safari.
- Accommodation for 12 nights in rooms with private bath at the named 4- and 5-star hotels
- 12 breakfasts
- 8 table d'hote lunches plus 10 table d'hote dinners. Mineral water with lunches and dinners. Wine with 2 dinners.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide throughout the stay in Tunis
- Entrance fees to places of interest.
- Local taxes on ground transportation, accommodation and included meals.
- Tips to drivers, guides, waiters for included meals and hotel porters for the handling of one bag per person.
- Canadian Escort
Group size - 12 to 25 passengers.
| Pricing per person from Toronto |
In a twin |
In a single |
| |
CA$3395.00 |
CA$3970.00 |
| Early Booking Bonus: book and pay your deposit by October 31 2007 and save $100 per person.
. |
| Air taxes (approximately CA$290.00 per person) are additional and will be shown separately on your final invoice.
. |
Deposit at time of booking CA$500 per person
Final payment due January 9, 2007
Cancellation Fees.
From payment of deposit until January 9 Deposit paid
January 10 to 31 50% of final invoice
February 1 to 28 75% of final invoice
February 29 or later 100% of final invoice.
For Reservations Contact Compass Custom Holidays
Tel: 800 465 3724 or 613 549 8550
e-mail: info@customholidays.com
