sign in sign up
<<
Home , Kairouan, Le Bardo

TUNISIA May 9 to 21, 2022

On this in-depth exploration of , visit seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, covering the Phoenician, Roman and Islamic periods. , mosques and more. Walk through the of , Tunisia’s capital, with its mosques, palaces and lively bazaars and the ornate necropolis of former Ottoman rulers. Awesome oases. Explore the utterly stunning mountain oases of Chebika, and Mides in the Djebel el Negueb hills along the Algerian border. Locals only. Meet local journalists and cultural experts for insiders’ views on Berber culture as well as the Jasmine Revolution, when a Tunisian street vendor’s death in December 2010—and the uprising that followed—sparked the Arab Spring.

FACULTY LEADER

Grant Parker GRANT PARKER, chair of Stanford’s department of classics, is also courtesy faculty in the department of comparative literature and an affiliate of the Center for African Studies and the Stanford Archaeology Center. He has been a resident fellow in Toyon Hall for more than 10 years. He has written on the literature and cultural history of the ancient Roman world, typically bringing monuments, maps and histories of collecting into his research. At Stanford he teaches Latin literature and a variety of topics in the comparative global humanities. Travel literature in ancient and modern times has been an ongoing focus (Mediterranean Passages: Readings from Dido to Derrida, co-edited with miriam cooke and Erdag Göknar). During our program his lecture series “History, Memory and Heritage in Tunisia” will focus on places, objects and biographies that will provide insight into the rich pasts we’ll be sampling. — Joined Stanford Department of Classics in 2006, department chair since 2015 — Richard E. Guggenhime Faculty Scholar, Stanford University, since 2016 — formerly held faculty positions at the University of Michigan and Duke University — BA and MA, Princeton University; PhD, University of Cape Town — Publications include The Making of Roman India (2008), as author, and South , Greece, Rome: Classical Confrontations (2018), as editor.

ITINERARY

MONDAY, MAY 9 TUNIS, TUNISIA Arrive in Tunis and enjoy a welcome reception and dinner of local specialties at our hotel. DAR EL JELD HOTEL (D)

TUESDAY, MAY 10 TUNIS / / / This morning tour the extensive archaeological digs around legendary Carthage. Next visit the lovely whitewashed village of Sidi Bou Said, overlooking the Gulf of Tunis, a source of inspiration to generations of artists. Also stop at the former palace of Baron d’Erlanger, a showcase of with an acclaimed collection of North African musical instruments. After lunch head to the immense National Bardo Museum, situated in a former palace of the Bey of Tunis in the suburb of Le Bardo and world-renowned for its archaeological and Islamic collections, including exceptional Roman mosaics. DAR EL JELD HOTEL (B,L)

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | [email protected] FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305 TUNISIA May 9 to 21, 2022

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 TUNIS / / BULLA REGIA Archaeology dominates the day as we head west to the hillside town of Dougga, Tunisia’s prime Roman site, complete with temples, theaters, baths, residential quarters, warehouses, cisterns and even restrooms. After lunch continue to the ruined city of Bulla Regia, known for its unique underground Roman villas, whose recently uncovered mosaics are the finest in situ mosaics to be found anywhere. DAR EL JELD HOTEL (B,L)

THURSDAY, MAY 12 TUNIS This morning walk through the Old Town of the capital. After a lunch of local specialties, the remainder of the afternoon is free. This evening we’ll meet a local journalist, who will share firsthand experiences of the Jasmine Revolution and discuss the revolution’s origins and its effect on today’s Tunisian society. Dinner tonight is at a converted palace in the . DAR EL JELD HOTEL (B,D)

FRIDAY, MAY 13 TUNIS / / HOUMT SOUK Transfer early this morning to the Tunis airport for our flight to the idyllic isle of Djerba. Visit the synagogue of Hara Sghira, one of the oldest, holiest Jewish monuments in and today a site of a major annual pilgrimage. Continue to Guellala, the cradle of pottery on the island, and see the fashioning of terra cotta wares at a local workshop. Also visit the Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum, which showcases arts and traditions found throughout the country. Then drive to the island’s main town of Houmt Souk in time for its weekly outdoor market. Also visit the superbly designed, informative Djerba Traditional Heritage Museum, which showcases arts and traditions found throughout the country. RADISSON BLU PALACE RESORT & THALASSO (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, MAY 14 FOUM Today’s excursion takes us to the region of Foum Tataouine to see the unique ghorfa Berber settlements, fortified granaries built atop outcrops of rock. Highlights include Chenini, the south’s most picturesque ruins and the nearby Seven Sleepers mosque; Ksar Ouled Soltane, the restored ruins of a 15th-century ksar (fortress) once featured in a Star Wars film; and the 11th-century Ksar Kedim, with its mysterious geometrical bas-reliefs. RADISSON BLU PALACE RESORT & THALASSO (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, MAY 15 HOUMT SOUK / MATMATA / Return to the mainland by ferry and head to the hilly region of Matmata, with its dozens of giant wells used as dwellings by local , who dug them ages ago to escape the desert’s heat. From here we cross the great salt lake Chott el Djerid, an immense flat stretch of white that gives rise to desert mirages. In the early afternoon arrive at the south’s capital of Tozeur, where a horse and buggy ride takes us to its oasis, Tunisia’s largest. Enjoy lunch accompanied by a performance of typical southern folklore, then visit the desert zoo, featuring all the fauna found in Saharan regions. ANANTARA TOZEUR RESORT (B,L,D)

MONDAY, MAY 16 MOUNTAIN OASES

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | [email protected] FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305 TUNISIA May 9 to 21, 2022

This morning explore the unique mountain oases of Chebika, Tamerza and Mides in the Djebel el Negueb hills along the Algerian border. Midday return to Tozeur, where we take a stroll through the Old Town and admire its unique adobe-brick construction. ANANTARA TOZEUR RESORT (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, MAY 17 TOZEUR / / Head north to the ruins of Sbeitla, an impressive forum, temples and Byzantine churches. The Byzantines turned this former Roman town into one of their main strongholds. Its fall to the signaled the end of the Byzantine Empire’s hold on North Africa. From here continue north to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kairouan, formerly the Arab capital of all Northern Africa and still one of ’s most sacred sites. Take a stroll through the medina, stopping at the camel-driven Barrouta Well, the city’s oldest, dug in 796 CE. Also see the 9th-century Aghlabite cisterns, one of the most astounding hydraulic systems in the Islamic world. GOLDEN YASMIN LA KASBAH (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 / Venture to the well-preserved 3rd-century Roman Amphitheatre of El Djem, the largest amphitheater in Northern Africa and comparable to the Roman Colosseum. Then head to the archaeological museum in Sousse, famed for its superb collection of mosaics, some from Roman tombs, followed by a tour of the town’s lively medina. GOLDEN YASMIN LA KASBAH (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, MAY 19 KAIROUAN / / TUNIS This morning visit Kairouan's great mosque, the oldest religious monument still in use in North Africa, adn the Barber's Mausoleum, an example of Andalusian architecture. Next head northeast to the region, the country’s foremost viticulture center, for a private tasting of prime crus followed by lunch. From there drive up Cape Bon, the African continent’s northernmost point, to Kerkouane, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Africa’s only ruins of a Phoenician city. Continue our picturesque drive through the Cape’s hinterland back to Tunis and the seaside suburb of Gammarth. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TUNIS (B,L)

FRIDAY, MAY 20 TUNIS Today is reserved for special meetings with local political figures and NGO officials. This evening enjoy our farewell reception and dinner at a former palace in the medina. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TUNIS (B,D)

SATURDAY, MAY 21 TUNIS / HOME Transfer to the Tunis airport for flights home. (B)

INFORMATION

Covid-19 and Travel With travel requirements and local Covid-19 conditions changing weekly, travel protocols for specific destinations will be shared with confirmed travelers closer to departure. To read more about Travel/Study’s approach to ensuring traveler health and safety, visit our Covid-19 Travel page.

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | [email protected] FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305 TUNISIA May 9 to 21, 2022

Size This trip requires a minimum of 20 participants and is limited to 26. Travel/Study is committed to providing a low-density experience on all programs and will implement protocols to do so, including social distancing on transportation as well as during lectures, meals and excursions. Single accommodations are limited.

Cost* $7,795 per person, double occupancy $8,895 per person, single occupancy *Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person

Included ● 12 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations ● 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners ● Welcome and farewell receptions ● Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities ● All tours and excursions as described in the itinerary ● Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days ● On-tour quarantine-related trip-cancellation, -interruption and -delay insurance coverage ● General medical, accident and evacuation insurance ● Educational program with lecture series and predeparture materials, including an education resource list and travel information ● Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

Not Included ● Your personal flights to and from the program ● Passport and visa fees (no visas required for U.S. passport holders) ● Immunization costs ● Meals and beverages other than those specified as included ● Independent and private transfers ● Nonquarantine-related trip-cancellation, -interruption and -delay insurance coverage ● Baggage insurance ● Excess-baggage charges ● Personal items such as internet access, telephone calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services

Air Arrangements You are responsible for booking and purchasing airfare to the start location and from the end location of the program. These air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist you in making these independent arrangements, we will send you details with your confirmation materials on when to arrive and depart.

What to Expect We consider this to be a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding. Much of the walking takes place at ancient sites, where paths can be rocky and uneven. In some instances where there are steps, handrails may not be present. While hotels on this program do have elevators, in some

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | [email protected] FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305 TUNISIA May 9 to 21, 2022

cases, they can be reached only by first ascending a staircase. Some days require early-morning starts, as we often have a full schedule. Our journey requires several hours of travel by motor coach, or occasionally by four-wheel-drive vehicle, the longest drives being up to eight hours including stops. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Eligibility We encourage membership in the Stanford Alumni Association, as the program cost for nonmembers is $300 more than the members' price. A person traveling as a paid guest of a current member will not be charged the nonmember fee. To purchase a membership, call (650) 725-0692 or visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/membership.

Deposits, Payments and Cancellations A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 120 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place is resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

Insurance Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage, as well as on-tour quarantine-related trip-cancellation, -interruption and -delay insurance coverage, under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. You may choose to subscribe to optional nonquarantine-related trip-cancellation, -interruption and -delay insurance coverage and/or baggage insurance. Information offering such insurance will be included in your confirmation materials. The product offered includes special benefits if you purchase your insurance within 14 days of receiving your welcome email.

Responsibility The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motor coach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as tour rates include arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. We reserve the right to cancel any program prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. We also reserve the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk entirely. The airlines

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | [email protected] FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305 TUNISIA May 9 to 21, 2022 concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. Neither the Stanford Alumni Association nor Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect at the time the brochure is published and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign an Assumption of Risk.

California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50

STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | [email protected] FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305