Tunisia: Medinas to Sahara
Tunisia
Tunisia's extraordinary cultural loop, Sidi Bou Said's Andalusian whitewash, the medinas of Tunis and Kairouan (the fourth holiest city in Islam), the Roman amphitheatre at El Djem, the Star Wars landscapes of Matmata's troglodyte houses, and the Saharan dunes of Douz. North Africa's most accessible and diverse drive.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Tunis
The UNESCO Medina of Tunis packs 9th-century souqs, mosques, and palaces into a walkable labyrinth. The Bardo holds the world's finest collection of Roman mosaics.
- Sidi Bou Said
Clifftop village above Carthage, all blue-painted doors and whitewash above the Gulf of Tunis. Paul Klee and August Macke came here for the extraordinary Mediterranean light.
- Kairouan
Islam's fourth holiest city. The Great Mosque, founded 670 AD, is among the world's oldest. Aghlabid Basins and carpet-weaver lanes complete its extraordinary spiritual atmosphere.
- El Djem Amphitheatre
Rome's third-largest amphitheatre, rising from the Tunisian steppe in a small town. Capacity 35,000, it is better preserved than the Colosseum, with intact underground passages.
- Matmata
Berber troglodyte village of underground courtyard houses carved from soft rock. George Lucas filmed Star Wars Episode IV here in 1976; Hotel Sidi Driss still stands.
- Douz
Gateway to the Sahara at the Grand Erg Oriental's edge. Camel treks into real dunes, a Thursday market, and the December Saharan Festival make this the desert's most vivid entry point.
Where to Eat
- Dar ZarroukMediterranean
Offers panoramic sea views and a menu featuring fresh seafood and traditional Tunisian dishes.
- Restaurant La KasbahTunisian
Located in a historic setting, serving authentic Tunisian cuisine with a variety of local specialties.
- Le Petit MarinSeafood
Known for its fresh seafood and traditional Tunisian dishes, offering a cozy dining experience.
- Hotel Sidi Driss RestaurantTunisian
Famous for its cave-like setting, offering traditional Tunisian meals in a unique atmosphere.
- Restaurant ElbeyTunisian
Serves a variety of local dishes, including couscous and grilled meats, in a traditional setting.
Things to Do
- Dar Ennejma EzzahraMuseum
A palace-turned-museum showcasing Arab and Mediterranean music instruments and hosting concerts.
- Great Mosque of KairouanHistoric Site
One of the oldest mosques in the world, renowned for its impressive architecture and history.
- El Djem MuseumMuseum
Houses a collection of Roman mosaics and artifacts, providing insight into the region's history.
- Matmata Underground DwellingsHistoric Site
Explore traditional troglodyte homes carved into the earth, offering a glimpse into local culture.
- Sahara Desert ExcursionNature
Experience camel treks and overnight stays in the vast dunes of the Sahara near Douz.