Tunisia: From the Mediterranean to the Sahara

Join an O.A.T. small group to discover the mystery and romance of this North African crossroads of history—from the ruins of ancient Carthage to the whispering sands of the Sahara. Here, the Romans left many impressive legacies ... the rulers of desert empires built magnificent mosques ... and Americans forged a special connection during World War II. Today, Tunisian artisans ply their crafts in exotic souks and medinas, where narrow lanes snake between white-domed buildings that gleam in the sun.

We'll explore this fascinating land and its surprising diversity in true O.A.T. style, from its rich Mediterranean coast to Saharan oases deep in the interior. And with our small group size, we’ll venture off the beaten path to reveal the real Tunisia, including candid discussions about Controversial Topics such as gender inequality, the aftermath of the Arab Spring, and the marginalization of the indigenous Berber people. Under the expert guidance of our local Trip Experience Leader, we'll also meet Tunisians in local villages throughout the country and experience their culture through activities such as our NEW A Day in the Life excursion to the rural Berber village of Ras El Wed, and a Home-Hosted Dinner with a local family in Kairouan.

 

DAY 1
Depart U.S.
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Tunis.

DAY 2
Arrive in Tunis, Tunisia
Destination: Tunis
Accommodations: Majestic Hotel or similar
Afternoon: We'll be met at the Tunis airport by an O.A.T. representative today (flight arrival times may vary) and transferred to our hotel, where we’ll meet our Trip Experience Leader and fellow travelers, including those who took our pre-trip extensions to New! Historic Treasures of Italy: Naples, Pompeii & Rome or New! Untouched Algeria: Algiers & Constantine. Then, we will take an orientation walk to get familiar with our surroundings. Depending on where we stay, our hotel will likely feature an on-site restaurant and cocktail bar. Typical rooms will include air-conditioning, satellite TV, safe, telephone, minibar, and a private bathroom with hair dryer.

Dinner: On your own tonight—your Trip Experience Leader will be happy to provide recommendations of local cuisine.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. Or, perhaps you'll return to your room to relax before our first day of discoveries.

Freedom to Explore

Make the most of your explorations in Tunis on these off-the-beaten path activities. These recommendations are designed by our team of local experts with women travelers in mind.

Walk with your Trip Experience Leader to the Central Market of Tunis, located at the entrance to the city’s bustling medina. Spread across four buildings featuring a blend of Arab and Art Deco architectural styles, the market stalls feature a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, spices, dried fruits, and other local Tunisian wares. Browse the shops in search of a treat for yourself, and enjoy the opportunity to connect with locals as they go about their business in this popular gathering place.
How to get there: A 15-minute walk from the hotel with your Trip Experience Leader.
Hours: 8am-4pm, Tuesday-Sunday.
Cost: Free.
Explore the Bardo National Museum, one of Africa’s most prestigious archaeological museums, rivaling even the Egyptian museum of Cairo in its size and grandeur. Exhibits in the museum trace the long and complicated history of this region of the world all the way back to the prehistoric age. Inside the museum halls, you’ll find Punic jewels, Roman mosaics and sarcophagi, Hellenistic Greek artwork, and other relics and artifacts from the civilizations who have called Tunisia home over the past 40,000 years.
How to get there: A 15-minute taxi ride from the hotel, about $7 USD each way.
Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm Tuesday-Sunday.
Cost: $5 USD.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Vincent de Paul, the active seat of the Archdiocese of Tunis, constructed in the late 19th century atop the site of an older Christian church. Featuring a blend of neo-Gothic, neo-Byzantine, and Moorish revival architecture, the cathedral is an iconic part of the city skyline, and is a reminder of Tunisia’s past as a French protectorate.
How to get there: A 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Hours: 8am-12pm, 3pm-5pm Sunday-Friday; 8am-12pm, 3pm-7:15pm Saturday
Cost: Free.
DAY 3
Explore Tunis • Controversial Topic: Inheritance inequality in Tunisia with Houda Boubakker and Asma Sbaahi
Destination: Tunis
Meals included: B D
Accommodations: Majestic Hotel or similar

Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today's discoveries feature the Controversial Topic of inheritance laws in Tunisia with local women, Houda Boubakker and Asma Sbaahi, who share opposing views on the matter. This conversation will help us gain a deeper understanding of gender inequality in the Arab world and what it's like for women living in such a culture. We'll also glean insight into the role of Islamic tradition and how it continues to shape society. Read more about this informative conversation below.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning we’ll explore Tunisia’s bustling capital. Tunis was one of the greatest cities in the world during the reign of the Almohad and Hafsid dynasties from the twelfth to the 16th centuries. Today, it boasts a diversity of distinct cultures and rich, complex history shaped by ages of colonization. We’ll experience this diversity when we venture to the city’s medina—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to witness the hundreds of palaces, mosques, and fountains situated here. We'll also meet some of the vendors who sell their handicrafts at various souks (markets), and learn about local traditions like the chachia, a flexible hat worn by men that originated in Tunisia and Libya. The chachia is typically made from wool that has been crushed with hot water and soap, then dyed, and shaped. We’re sure to see some men donning this typical headpiece as we walk through the medina.

Lunch: On your own in the medina of Tunis—ask your Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant recommendations. You might like to try Dar Bel Haj or El Ali, two restaurants serving authentic regional cuisine.

Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll head to Entre Acte coffee shop to learn about the Controversial Topic of inheritance in Tunisia, a subject of great consequence to the progress of women’s rights in the Arab world. There, we’ll meet with two women: 59-year-old Houda Boubakker and 27-year-old Asma Sbaahi. Houda is married with one son and works as a communications professor. Outside of her professional life, she actively advocates for gender equality, speaking out whenever she has the opportunity. Asma recently graduated from university with a degree in English. She is a conservative woman who strictly adheres to the literal interpretation of Islam.

Tunisia enforces some of the most progressive laws on women’s rights in Muslim majority countries. In fact, it is currently ranked 124th on the Global Gender Gap Index of 2020 according to the World Economic Forum—thereby making it one of the highest ranking Arab countries. It’s true that some progress has been made over the last century. For instance, women were granted reproductive freedom in 1962, and just in 2014, the government passed new legislation which guarantees full gender equality and fair representation in elected bodies. Yet despite these strides, patriarchal values still dominate the land. Perhaps one of the most contentious issues at the forefront of national conversation is inheritance. As it is written in the Quran, a surviving son is entitled to twice the share of a surviving daughter. This is stated in unequivocal terms: “Allah enjoins you concerning your children: the male shall have the equal of the portion of two females; and if they are more than two females, they shall have two-thirds of what the deceased has left, and if there is one, she shall have the half.”

Shari’a law, a conduit for Islamic tradition, strongly advocates for this literal interpretation and galvanizes support from the general population by deeming it sacrilege to do otherwise. The country is staunchly divided on this issue, and therefore, it’s no surprise that most politicians have not wanted to address it—despite increasing pressure from NGOs like the Association of Democratic Women and The Voice of Women. These Tunisian-based activist groups argue that it is not only a question of fairness, but they also point out that the current law isn’t even practiced as it is written. Many women struggle to get their allocated share—in fact, according to government figures from 2014, 85% of cases resulted in an unfair division of assets. Critics say this puts women at a clear economic disadvantage and perpetuates a culture in which women must be reliant on men.

Over the decades, the inheritance law has slowly made its way to the fore in Tunisia—an astounding feat, as it is the only Muslim majority country to this day to touch it. In an attempt to attract progressive political allies, President Beji Caid Essebsi drafted a law in 2018 that would establish equality between women and men in matters of inheritance. This “radical” move garnered much attention in Arab states and beyond. It was presented to the parliament in February 2019, where it was met with vehement opposition by conservative forces like the Islamist Ennahda party. Unfortunately, President Essebsi died in the summer of 2019, leaving behind an uncertain future for this highly controversial bill.

Our conversation this afternoon will examine the history, significance, and ramifications of this issue, as we experience it through the eyes of two women with vastly different perspectives. Houda will provide insight into why the passing of this legislation would propel Tunisian women forward, and Asma will help us understand why strict Muslims fear misinterpreting the Quran. Take this opportunity to ask any questions you might have—perhaps you’d like to know precisely how Houda advocates for the cause, or you might be compelled to ask Asma why teachings written in 7th century Arabia should be literally interpreted in the 21st century. Each woman will speak for about 15 minutes, followed by a 45-minute Q&A.

After we bid our guests farewell, we'll have about 4 hours free to relax or explore independently before dinner. Perhaps you'll wander to Tunis' Central Market, where an array of local produce and spices await you, as well as opportunities to connect with locals as they go about their daily business.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

DAY 4
Visit ancient Dougga • Visit Testour
Destination: Tunis
Meals included: B L
Accommodations: Majestic Hotel or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Today we'll embark on a morning tour of ancient Dougga, the best-preserved ancient Roman city in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here stand the remains of a complete town that once had 5,000 residents, including villas, temples, baths, a paved street, and a forum, making it easy to imagine life in this place in the second century AD. The temple known as "the Capitol" and the Caracalla Baths are particularly well-preserved, and the site's theater—which was designed to seat 3,500 spectators—is still used for performances of classic works today.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties.

Afternoon: At about 2pm, we'll drive for about an hour to Testour, a sleepy town that is home to Tunisia's finest examples of Andalusian architecture. We'll observe the local ways of life here and admire the adobe-tiled roofs before continuing on to Tunis. We arrive back at our hotel at around 4:30pm, and will have the remainder of the day free to relax or explore on your own. Your Trip Experience Leader is happy to make suggestions.

Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant recommendations.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—your Trip Experience Leader can offer suggested activities.

DAY 5
Overland to Kairouan • Explore Hammamet
Destination: Kairouan
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: La Kasbah Hotel or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Today we leave Tunisia's seacoast and journey about 3 hours inland by bus to Kairouan, a city with a spiritual feel whose ornate seventh-century Great Mosque is the fourth-holiest site in Islam. It was here that Ibn Khaldun, a great Muslim historian of the 14th century, lived and worked at the height of Islam’s classical period. On our way, we'll stop in Hammamet, a town of white-washed houses and some of Tunisia's finest beaches. We'll spend some time exploring the coastal medina before lunch.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Hammamet, featuring regional specialties.

Afternoon: After lunch, we continue on to Kairouan. Upon arrival, we'll get our room assignments and check in to our hotel. Depending on where we stay, our hotel may feature on-site amenities including a restaurant and outdoor swimming pool. Typical rooms include air-conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, minibar, safe, and private bath. Kairouan is Tunisia’s leading center of carpet-making, and after an orientation walk we may visit a carpet workshop to learn about its history and witness a demonstration of this craft. Afterwards, you may enjoy some free time on your own to explore or relax.

Dinner: At the hotel's restaurant located in the Old Kasbah, featuring regional specialties.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

Freedom to Explore

Make the most of your explorations in Kairouan on these off-the-beaten path activities. These recommendations are designed by our team of local experts with women travelers in mind.

Walk with your Trip Experience Leader to a traditional hammam, or bathhouse, in the city medina. Featuring separate facilities for men and women, these traditional public bathhouses are still used today, offering a taste of luxury as the local staff employs a mix of steam, soap, oils, and massage to leave you feeling cleansed and rejuvenated.
How to get there: A 10-minute walk from the hotel with your Trip Experience Leader.
Hours: 5am-6pm daily.
Cost: $6 USD per person.
Delve into the art and history of Tunisian carpet making at the Carpet and Handicrafts Museum of Kairouan. This city has always been an important center of this traditional textile art, and the museum’s exhibits feature elaborate works that date back as far as the 1800s, offering visitors a look at the evolution of this iconic craft over the centuries.
How to get there: A 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Thursday; 8am-1pm Friday.
Cost: Free.
Visit a makroudh pastry shop in the city medina, for a taste of this local Tunisian confection, and a look into how it’s crafted. Made from semolina dough stuffed with date paste, then fried or baked and smothered in honey, makroudhs are believed to have been invented here in Kairouan, and when you visit a local bakery, you can watch local women at work as they continue to perfect and innovate the recipe.
How to get there: A 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Hours: 8am-6pm daily.
Cost: Entrance to the shop is free.
DAY 6
Explore Kairouan • Controversial Topic: The aftermath of the Arab Spring with local experts • Home-Hosted Dinner
Destination: Kairouan
Meals included: B D
Accommodations: La Kasbah Hotel or similar

Exclusive O.A.T. Activities: Today's agenda features the Controversial Topic of the Arab Spring in Tunisia, led by two local experts. This conversation examines the pro-democracy shift in the Arab world and what the struggle has been like for those in favor of it. We'll also hear from a speaker who disagrees with this progress and views it as a threat to national security. Our activities this evening include a Home-Hosted Dinner with a local family in Kairouan. This is a special opportunity afforded to us by our small group size and made by possible by the regional connections of our local Trip Experience Leaders. During our shared meal, you'll learn more about daily life in Tunisia from these residents, and take part in the customs and culinary traditions of the region. Read more about these experiences below.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Today, we'll begin with a visit to the Abou Zamaa al-Balawi mausoleum, one of the most venerated sites in Kairouan. It contains the remains of one of the Prophet’s companions, Abou Zamaa al-Balawi, who was killed in battle with the Berbers. Next, we'll visit the Great Mosque, the oldest Muslim place of worship in Africa. Founded in 670, Kairouan's Great Mosque displays influences of pre-Islamic, Roman, and Byzantine architecture. We'll then venture to a nearby conference room to meet with an Imam, or worship leader, to learn about one of the world's great religions: Islam.

Later, we'll venture on foot to the city medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thriving center of Tunisian culture. Your Trip Experience Leader will seek out opportunities for the group to interact with local residents. As we explore, we may have chances to meet people who live and work in Kairouan. This is a great way to experience local culture, observe the tenets of Islam, and see how the spirituality of the city is reflected in the everyday lives of those who live here.

Lunch: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for local restaurant recommendations.

Afternoon: After lunch, our group will reconvene at a local youth association, where we'll meet with two local experts to discuss the Controversial Topic of the Arab Spring—often called the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, after it's national flower—and the divisive impacts it continues to have on the region. The Arab Spring was a series of pro-democracy rebellions that occurred in several predominantly Muslim countries, including Tunisia, Morocco, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Bahrain. In Tunisia, these events took place from December 2010 to mid-January 2011, and although more than a decade has passed, the country remains divided as a result. To help us understand these uprisings, we'll meet with two local people: one who is affiliated with a pro-democracy non-governmental organization, and therefore, supports the outcome of the Arab Spring—and another who feels the political system should revert back to its pre-democracy days.

Prior to the 2010-2011 demonstrations, Tunisia's government was a one-party regime led by former President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, who had been in power nearly 25 years. Under his rule, Tunisia consistently ranked near the bottom of most international rankings for human rights and press freedom and was widely considered one of the most repressive countries. Journalists were routinely silenced, often at the hands of violence and intimidation, and women had fewer options outside of domestic life than today. Strangely, despite the dissatisfaction of the Tunisian people, Ben Ali continued winning national elections by a massive margin—often receiving about 90% of the vote. Voting officials claimed these elections to be "free and fair," but these assertions were disputed by the US State Department and a number of international NGOs.

After decades of Ben Ali's dictatorial regime and soaring unemployment and inflation, the Tunisian people took to the streets—a movement that was tragically sparked by the self-immolation of a local street vendor. The government attempted to end the unrest by violently cracking down on protesters and offering political and economic compromises. In fact, Ben Ali even promised he wouldn't run for another term in 2014. But demonstrations soon engulfed the country, forcing Ben Ali to flee with his family to Saudi Arabia and marking the end of the regime and revolution. In October 2011, Tunisians went to the polls and voted in a free election, which then prompted the drafting of a new constitution.

Today, pro-democracy citizens—who make up about half the population—feel Tunisia is on the right path, although they say it still has a long way to go. They believe a pluralistic, free democracy is the key to creating a more just and prosperous nation. Conversely, the other half of the country contends that a one-party political system is the only way to prevent anarchy and another economic crisis. They view the events of the Arab Spring as a time of disorder, violence, and uncertainty. Our conversation this afternoon will examine both sides of the issue, and we'll have the unique opportunity to hear firsthand from those who lived through it all. You'll also have time to ask any questions you may have. Perhaps you're curious to know more about life prior to the uprisings, or maybe you'll ask why these women choose to speak out. Each woman will speak for about 10 minutes, followed by a 30-minute Q&A.

Following this conversation, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. Consult with your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions. This evening, our group will come back together to experience one of the highlights of our Tunisia adventure: a Home-Hosted Dinner with a local family. We'll break up into smaller groups of no more than six travelers and walk to one of the homes, where we'll get to know local residents and learn about life in the region. Come hungry for your home-cooked meal, and bring plenty of questions for your generous hosts.

Dinner: We'll gather in the home of a local family to experience life in Tunisia and watch as our hosts prepare an authentic dinner. Each family has a different background—some of them may be teachers, bank tellers, or shop owners, for example. Our meal this evening may consist of local dishes like mechouia salad (grilled vegetables, tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic), brik (Berber pastry filled with various ingredients and commonly deep fried), couscous, and makroudh (semolina and date cookies). We’re afforded this special privilege by our small group size; by dining in groups of no more than 6, we’re given the chance to enter local homes and connect on a one-to-one level, and to even share a little with our hosts about who we are and what has brought us to Tunisia. This will be a great opportunity to ask them about life in Kairouan, any customs they practice, and more.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

DAY 7
Kairouan • Optional El Djem tour
Destination: Kairouan
Meals included: B
Accommodations: La Kasbah Hotel or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: You're free to discover more of Kairouan on your own today. Or, join our optional excursion to uncover Tunisian antiquity with a visit to El Djem, home to the third-largest ancient Roman amphitheater in the world, and a visit to a handcrafts center to learn about mosaics.

Lunch: On your own for those who choose not to take the optional tour. At a local restaurant for those on the optional tour.

Afternoon: On your own, for those who choose not to take the optional tour. Those who do will return to the hotel later and enjoy some free time.

Dinner: On your own—ask your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

DAY 8
Overland to Tozeur • Sbeitla
Destination: Tozeur
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Hotel Diar Abou Habibi or similar

Activity Note: Today's bus transfer to Tozeur will be approximately 9 hours, with stops along the way to visit the archaeological site of Sbeitla and lunch.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We depart Kairouan and witness a dramatic transition from green landscapes alive with olive groves to great arid expanses of desert dotted with scattered oases. During our full-day transfer we'll make our first stop at Sbeitla, where we visit the ruins of an ancient Roman town.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Sbeitla, featuring regional specialties.

Afternoon: We'll continue on to our next destination, Tozeur. This ancient city occupies a four-square-mile oasis of 250,000 date palms whose green lushness stands in stark contrast to the surrounding Sahara. Depending on where we stay, our hotel may feature on-site amenities that include an outdoor swimming pool, wireless internet in common areas, and a restaurant. Typical rooms will include air-conditioning, a TV, and a private bathroom with hair dryer.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant, featuring regional specialties.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

Freedom to Explore

Make the most of your explorations in Tozeur on these off-the-beaten path activities. These recommendations are designed by our team of local experts with women travelers in mind.

Ride by taxi with your Trip Experience Leader to the Eden Palm Museum for a deep dive into the world of desert oasis life. The museum’s main focus is on the date palm, one of this region’s most iconic trees, and the uses for the sweet fruit that it produces. The museum’s exhibits include botanical displays that highlight the differences between the various species of desert palm; information about the role that oases and date palms play in the lives of the desert people who depend on them for sustenance; and an opportunity to taste jams, marmalades, and more products made from the treasured date fruit.
How to get there: A 2-mile taxi ride with your Trip Experience Leader, approximately $3 USD each way.
Hours: 8am-7pm daily.
Cost: $5 USD.
Discover the Dar Cherait Museum, the first private museum in all of Tunisia. Located in a refurbished upper-class manor, the museum features clothes, costumes, jewelry, pottery, art, and a broad range of other artifacts that showcase what life is and was like in this remote desert setting.
How to get there: A 2-mile taxi ride, approximately $3 USD each way.
Hours: 8am-6pm daily.
Cost: $5 USD.
DAY 9
Explore Tozeur oasis by horse-drawn carriage • Visit local brick factory
Destination: Tozeur
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Hotel Diar Abou Habibi or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel from 7am to 8am, featuring local fare.

Morning: This morning we'll be greeted by a local guide, who will meet us at our hotel around 9am. At approximately 9:15am, we'll embark a horse-drawn carriage to explore the Tozeur oasis. For two thousand years, this city has thrived in a lush oasis on the edge of the largest salt flat in northern Africa, and was a remote and fiercely independent enclave for much of that time. In its old section, elaborate designs in yellow brickwork decorate the walls lining narrow alleys and passageways with the same traditional patterns that are found in the local Berber handcrafts. We’ll feel the true oasis atmosphere here as we explore byways where spring-fed canals water date palms, flowers, and crops of plums, grapes, pomegranates, and bananas.

When our discoveries here wrap up around 10:15am, we'll hop on a motorcoach to visit a small brick factory where we'll learn how bricks for local homes are handmade in traditional kilns. Our visit here will last about an hour, at which point we'll board the motorcoach once more to drive to lunch.

Lunch: We'll enjoy some regional cuisine at a local restaurant around noon.

Afternoon: After lunch around 1:30pm, we'll visit the Sidi Ben Aissa Archaeological Museum and enjoy a discussion with the museum's curator. Our visit ends around 1:45pm, at which point we'll drive the approximate 15 minutes back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure beginning around 2pm. Perhaps you'll take advantage of your freedom to explore and visit the Eden Palm Museum, which focuses on the role of the date palm in Tunisian society.

Dinner: At the hotel's restaurant featuring regional cuisine from 7pm to 8:15pm.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

DAY 10
Overland to Sahara Desert camp
Destination: Sahara Desert
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Ghilane Desert Camp

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We depart Tozeur this morning, making our first stop at Douz, a town where all roads end at the edge of the Great Eastern Erg. Beyond Douz, this immense expanse of the Sahara extends hundreds of miles to the south.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Douz, featuring regional specialties.

Afternoon: Afterwards, we board 4x4 vehicles for our journey into the Sahara. Our private, O.A.T. tented camp is located about an hour and a half away, positioned in a remote stretch of the golden-hued Grand Erg. Camp amenities are basic but comfortable: the camp features a common area where meals will be served, as well as communal bathroom facilities for the guests. These shared facilities are separated by gender, each featuring two toilets and two showers for use by the guests. Electricity is available at the camp during the day, between 6am and 11pm, and is turned off overnight.

Dinner: At our camp's main dining area, featuring regional specialties.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a nightcap or relax in the camp's common area.

DAY 11
The Sahara Desert • Camel ride in dunes
Destination: Sahara Desert
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Ghilane Desert Camp

Early Morning: Today, we absorb the feeling of the desert environment. If you wish, your Trip Experience Leader will wake you up early to sit in the camp and watch the sun rise over the Sahara Desert, casting light across the sprawling sand dunes. During the summer, the sun rises around 5am, but in the winter, it rises closer to 6am. Coffee will be awaiting those who choose to rise early.

Breakfast: At the camp's main dining area.

Morning: After breakfast, we'll board 4x4 vehicles to drive about 45 minutes through the desert's expanse to begin our camel ride experience. When we arrive, we are going to saddle up for a camel ride amidst the desert dunes. During our trek, we may cross paths with nomadic people as they make their way across the sprawling sea of sand, giving us a chance to learn even more about everyday life here. Following our discoveries, we'll head back to our camp via 4x4 vehicles.

Lunch: We'll enjoy lunch in our camp's main dining area, featuring local dishes.

Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries. Perhaps you'll relax in your tent. Or, ask your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions—they may be inclined to lead a short hike along the dunes.

Dinner: At the camp's main dining area, featuring a barbecue meal.

Evening: Tonight, you may choose to join your Trip Experience Leader for a hands-on Bedouin bread-making demonstration.

DAY 12
Overland to Tataouine via Tamezret • Controversial Topic: Berber rights in Tunisia with Kaouther Ben Jemaa • Visit a troglodyte house
Destination: Tataouine
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Ksar Ouled Debbab

Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today's activities feature the Controversial Topic of Berber rights in Tunisia, led by Amazigh pastry chef Kaouther Ben Jemaa. Our conversation will provide an introduction to this ancient, historically marginalized ethnic group, and examine how their cultural identity has been subject to erasure and repression over the centuries. Read more about this conversation below.

Activity Note: Today's transfer to Tataouine will take approximately 4.5 hours, with stops along the way.

Breakfast: At the camp's main dining area.

Morning: Today we travel across the Saharan dunes to Tataouine by bus, arriving at a local community space. There, we'll meet 30-year-old Amazigh pastry chef Kaouther Ben Jemaa to discuss the Controversial Topic of Berber rights in Tunisia, an increasingly important subject to younger generations. Kaouther is a Berber native who hails from the village of Tamezret. She graduated from university with a degree in literature and then pursued a degree in baking and pastry art. Following her studies, she opened a coffee shop in her village that celebrates and honors her Amazigh culture and history.

The Berber people are descendants of the pre-Arab inhabitants of North Africa. They speak various Amazigh languages and primarily live in communities across Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Mali, Niger, and Mauritania—although no accurate population count exists. Over the centuries, their kingdoms were conquered by the Roman and Byzantine empires, and eventually, the Arabs by the 8th century CE, who harnessed their fighting power for conquest and forcefully Islamicized them. Berber cultural identity particularly suffered with the development of the trans-Saharan gold and slave trade, which necessitated the dominance of written Arabic, as well as the influx of warrior Arab nomads in the 11th century, driving Berbers away from their ancestral lands. Over time, the distinct characteristics and traditions of their community weakened, and the once vast Berber world had been reduced to sparse, scattered populations throughout north Africa.

In recent centuries, Berber heritage has had almost no visibility in Tunisian society. Since the country’s independence in 1956, this minority group has been consistently marginalized and purposely obscured in order to assert the Arab identity as the only identity—despite the fact that DNA analysis reveals more than 60% of Tunisians have Berber blood and countless towns and villages bear Berber names. For instance, there is no mention of the Berber peoples in the constitution, the sole national language is Arabic, and there is little to no representation of Berbers in the public eye. In fact, up until recently, the government went so far as to prohibit Berbers from giving their children Amazigh names. Moreover, although no official census exists to confirm this claim, there is ample evidence the government has repeatedly skewed reports of Berber population numbers in an attempt to further sweep their culture under the rug.

Interestingly, when presented with these facts, there appears to be a stark split between generations. Older Berbers—who tend to be less educated and more religious—are not troubled by this apparent erasure. Quite the contrary: They are proud to be Arab like their prophet, Muhammad. Younger generations, on the other hand—who enjoy more education and are far less religious—are quick to condemn what they view as conspicuous oppression. Despite this divide, it seems that young Berbers like Kaouther and various NGOs seem to be moving the needle: private schools are now legally permitted to teach Amazigh languages, and UNESCO classified Berber pottery as a cultural heritage of humanity. Still, as we’ll learn during our conversation, progressives feel there is a long way to go. They’d like to see Amazigh declared a national language and the minority group given equal—and open—representation in all facets of society, including government, the labor and education sectors, as well as in the media. But those opposed to these steps forward fear that this could snowball into a separatist movement, resulting in discord and disunity.

During our conversation, we’ll glean insight from Kaouther on this divided issue for about 20 minutes before opening up the conversation to a 40-minute Q&A. Use this time to ask any questions you might have—perhaps you’d like to know more about her shop, or maybe you’d like to ask how her family feels about the issue.

We'll then say goodbye to Kaouther and drive to the Berber town of Matmata to discover its fascinating troglodyte houses—man-made caves dug out of large pits in the ground. Here, we'll stop to visit one, and enjoy tea with a local family.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Matmata.

Afternoon: After lunch, we will continue on to Tataouine, and check in to our hotel upon arrival at around 5pm. Depending on where we stay, our hotel will likely feature bungalows styled after the local troglodyte homes. Typical rooms include air-conditioning and a private bathroom.

Dinner: At our hotel restaurant, featuring regional specialties.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

DAY 13
A Day in the Life of a Berber village
Destination: Tataouine
Meals included: B L D
Accommodations: Ksar Ouled Debbab

Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today's agenda features a NEW A Day in the Life experience in a Berber village. This included activity provides an opportunity to venture into the community of a marginalized, ethnic minority, where we'll immerse ourselves in daily life, get to know local residents, and even try our hands at traditional practices, such as breadmaking. Read more about this experience below.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning we’ll venture to the village of Ras El Wed to begin our NEW A Day in the Life discoveries of a rural Berber community. Established in the late 19th century, this troglodytic settlement was built into the dramatic, rocky hills as a means of protection from Ghazzia (Arab tribes). But its clever construction did more than just shelter from harm’s way: the rock produces a naturally isothermal environment, shielding the homes from wind and extreme temperatures ranging from 37 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. The houses are built by digging deep into the horizontal layers of sandstone, a sedimentary rock malleable enough to carve with simple hand tools, that are trapped within layers of harder rock. The harder rock serves as the floors and ceilings of these houses. Individual cave dwellings are then dug out around the edges of the pit, forming subterranean rooms and the main pit serves as a communal courtyard.

Upon arrival at the settlement, we’ll see locals going about their day: perhaps we’ll spot a woman milling ancient grains with a stone called an azerg, or we might witness a man herding his prized goats. Around the courtyard, we’ll be met by resident Belgacem El Krimi, who will welcome us to his village and provide an introduction to local culture. Belgacem lives here with his wife and five of his seven children—his two sons migrated to the cities, where they were able to find work and raise their families. As we’ll learn, Ras El Wed used to rely heavily on agriculture; today, they still do to some extent, but far less than before. We'll experience the agricultural side of local culture this morning when we head to the home of Belgacem's neice, Fatima. There, she'll show us how to milk her goats, a native species of caprine. From there, we'll walk to the crop fields, which are sustained by a jesser–an ancient hydro agriculture technique used to contain water in dessert areas that typically see less than forty days of rain per year. We'll learn how this age-old method makes life possible in the village and discuss the ways in which it is used before helping to harvest some of the crops, like potatoes, tomatoes, and green peppers.

Next, we'll head back to the house, where we'll sip on mint tea and enjoy time to talk with Belgacem's family. We'll then begin preparing lunch in the kitchen with the family, which will include an assortment of regional specialties. One of the main dishes we'll help with is the bread, a flat, circular bread called tabouna. Tabouna is made with yeast, wheat flour, and water, and baked in a wood oven.

Lunch: We'll share a variety of traditional dishes with Belgacem and his family in their home. We might enjoy couscous or fried Berber pastries.

Afternoon: After lunch, we'll drive to an association called the Agriculture Development Group, which aims to provide diverse work opportunities for women. Founded in 2017 and led by women, the association is comprised of twenty members, each of whom have the chance to learn lucrative trades such as carpet-making and cosmetic product production. To conclude our visit, we'll have the option to participate in a henna ceremony, temporary tattoo art created with plant dye and often meant to mark a celebratory occasion.

Later this afternoon, we return to our hotel in Tataouine, where you'll have some time to make your own discoveries. You may wish to visit Ksar Ouled Sotane, a fortified storehouse featuring multi-story vaulted cellars.

Our group will reconvene this evening and depart for dinner at a local restaurant.

Dinner: At a local restaurant in Chenini.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a nightcap at the bar or relax in the lounge.

DAY 14
Overland to Djerba • Fly to Tunis • Overland to Sidi Bou Said
Destination: Sidi Bou Said
Meals included: B L
Accommodations: Hotel Dar Said or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We return to Tunisia’s seacoast today to explore the beautiful island of Djerba—thought to be the legendary home of the lotus eaters in Homer's Odyssey—which we reach from the mainland by a causeway built on a foundation constructed in Roman times. There, we'll visit a local craft village, where we'll have a chance to interact with the locals before moving on to Houmt Souk—Djerba's capital—a historic city of white-washed mosques and groves of olive and citrus trees.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Houmt Souk, featuring regional specialties.

Afternoon: Later, we fly to Tunis and transfer overland to Sidi Bou Said. After checking in to our rooms, we'll enjoy some free time to relax and settle in. Depending on where we stay, our hotel may feature an outdoor swimming pool, a hammam, an on-site restaurant and bar, and wireless Internet access. Typical rooms include air-conditioning, a minibar, satellite TV, and private bath with hairdryer.

Dinner: On your own—your Trip Experience Leader will be happy to offer dining suggestions for you.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

DAY 15
Explore Sidi Bou Said • Ancient Carthage • Visit North Africa American Cemetery
Destination: Sidi Bou Said
Meals included: B D
Accommodations: Hotel Dar Said or similar

Activity Note: The visit to the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial may be an emotional experience for some travelers.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We'll begin the day with a discovery walk in Sidi Bou Said village. Then, we'll set off to explore the site of ancient Carthage, which evokes the romance and tragedy of the legendary era of Queen Dido and Aeneas chronicled in Virgil’s Aeneid. Scattered ruins help us envision where the mighty city of antiquity once stood, sending its fleets for trade and warfare across the Mediterranean, including Hannibal’s famous but doomed campaign against Rome in the Second Punic War. After Carthage was conquered, the Romans destroyed the old city but established a new one of their own on its site, which lasted for almost another 500 years. The remaining ruins have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We’ll then pay our respects to the American soldiers who liberated Tunisia during World War II with a visit to the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial. This 27-acre memorial is the final resting place of 2,841 American military dead and also honors 3,700 soldiers whose remains were never found.

Lunch: On your own. You can ask your Trip Experience Leader for dining options.

Afternoon: We'll return to our hotel, where you'll have free time until we gather together for dinner.

Dinner: We'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner together in a local restaurant as a group this evening to celebrate our Tunisian discoveries.

Evening: You have the freedom to spend the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

DAY 16
Sidi Bou Said • Return to U.S.
Meals included: B
Early Morning: After an early breakfast this morning, transfer to the Tunis airport to board your flight home to the U.S. Or, continue on to your New! Sicilian Discoveries: Palermo, Corleone, Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples & Coastal Fishing Cultures or Timeless Morocco: From the Souks of Marrakesh to Seaside Casablanca post-trip extensions.