Deeper discoveries
21 - 28 April 2002

We have designed this tour mainly with second-time visitors in mind - those who have already enjoyed Tunisia's best known sites like Dougga, El Jem and Carthage and would like to delve deeper. However, it would be equally interesting for first-timers with a thirst for knowledge.

For more detailed information on Roman Tunisia fill in our enquiry form and we will send you our brochure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart by scheduled flight from London-Heathrow to Tunis. On arrival transfer to 4-star Hotel Riu Park El Kebir in Hammamet.

 
Please use links below

aspects of Tunisia
about Wigmore
Tunisian Destinations
Tunis & Gammarth
Hammamet
Port El Kantaoui & Sousse
Jerba & Zarzis
Desert Magic
specialist tours
Sahara Adventure
Roman Tunisia
Enquiry Form
Day 2: After a slide presentation on the tour by Dr. Ben Lazreg, leave for Tunis to visit the Medina - listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Wander in its labyrinth of covered souks and see Moorish houses. Browse around shops covered in a fantasy of tiles. Lunch in high style at Dar Belhadj, an Ottoman mansion which serves some of the most delicious traditional food in town.
Back to Hammamet. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Riu Park El Kebir.

Day 3: Travel to Oudhna (ancient Uthina), originally a Punic city. Uthina is one of the most ancient Roman colonies in Africa, founded by Octavius Augustus for veteran Roman soldiers early in the 1st century AD. Although this huge site is still under excavation, some impressive buildings have been uncovered such as the amphitheatre, baths, houses, capitolium. Leave Oudhna for Zaghouan (ancient Ziqua) driving past the 132km aqueduct which once carried water from Zaghouan to Carthage. After lunch in Zaghouan, visit the Water Temple (Nymphaeum). This was built during the rule of Hadrian in honour of the water nymphs to ensure continual supply of spring water to Carthage.
Back to hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Riu Park El Kebir.

Day 4: Depart for Bulla Regia in the west. Originally a Numidian city , Bulla Regia developed under the Romans during the 2nd and 3rd century AD. It is well known for its luxury villas, unique in the Roman Empire for having an underground level for summer use. This site provided the Bardo Museum with a fine collection of statues and mosaics.
Lunch in Jendouba in the Hotel Simitthu. Proceed to Chemtou (ancient Simitthu). This Numidian settlement, one of Caesar's conquests in 46 BC, was renowned in the Roman world for its marble quarries. Visit the excellent museum which displays findings from the site.
On to Aïn Draham for dinner and overnight Hotel La Forêt, set amid pine and cork forests in the foothills of the Khroumir mountains, part of the Atlas range.

Day 5: Leave for Le Kef which was built over the site of ancient Sicca Veneria. One of the main Numidian cities, this may have been the seat of the Roman governor in Caesar's newly created province, Africa Nova. Visit some of the Roman and Islamic monuments. Lunch in the Hôtel Les Pins.
After lunch, depart for Makthar (ancient Mactaris). This Numidian city was heavily Romanised after Trajan's conquests due to the installation of Roman veterans. Numidian features are visible in the monuments and art of the city. Visit the forum, amphitheatre, Trajan's arch, etc, as well as some Christian churches. Proceed to Kairouan. Dinner and overnight at 5-star Hotel La Kasbah.

Day 6: Travel to Bekalta (Thapsus), the site Dr. Ben Lazreg is currently excavating (see Day 6 of our other Roman tour). Proceed to Mahdia for lunch. Visit Lamta Museum and then on to Hammamet. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Riu Park El Kebir.

Day 7: At Leisure.
Gala dinner at Hotel Riu Park El Kebir.

Day 8: Back to London.
| Return to top |  

Departures
21 April by Tunisair scheduled return flight Heathrow/Tunis.

Prices
Prices per person
April departures £995
Single supplement £70

Your lecturer and guide
Dr Ben Lazreg is a Tunisian archaeologist who taught Roman history at the University of Tunis. He has conducted many digs in central Tunisia and is currently working on the sites of Leptis Minus (Lamta) and Thapsus (Bekalta). His ability to communicate his knowledge and enthusiasm makes this tour a very special experience.

What the price includes

Tunisair return scheduled flight Heathrow/Tunis.
 Air-conditioned coach transportation in Tunisia.
 Accommodation as per itinerary.
 All meals.
 Farewell Gala Dinner including Wine.
 All entrance fees to museums and sites mentioned in the itinerary (photography fee of 1 Dinar per site not included).
 Guest lecturer from Tunis University
 Services of a Wigmore Holidays representative throughout.

Operation
Please note that a minimum of 12 people is required for us to be able to operate each tour. Maximum 20. Should it be necessary for us to cancel a tour, you will either be offered the option of an alternative date or a full refund of all money paid.

 

 

| Return to top |
 
This site is Designed, Marketed & Maintained by JUPITER COLOUR