a Algeria and Departs 14th October 2021

Itinerary correct as at Jul 24, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au

$12,990 pp Twin- shar e, econ flights Ex Syd/Mel S ingle supp $1,100

ALGERIA AND TUNISIA

This tour combines two of northern ’s historical jewels - Algeria and Tunisia, which share common borders and intertwined history. Algeria is one of the most fascinating countries in North Africa, successively colonised by the Numidians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Abbasids, Fatimids, Almoravids, Almohads, Spaniards, Ottomans and, finally, the French colonial empire.

On this tour we will visit , with its ruins of a Phoenician trading post, Roman port and Byzantine churches. We will see the perfectly preserved Roman cities of and Djémila which provide insight into sophisticated urban living in the wealthiest of imperial Roman provinces. The Roman ‘City of Bridges’, Constantine, is encircled by the dramatic gorge of Wadi Rummel and proffers a dramatic history set in an equally dramatic landscape.

After a domestic flight we head away from the coast into the desert, beyond the limits of Roman control, to the ‘closed’ valley of the M’Zab, where a traditional way of life survives, little changed since medieval times when this was a remote refuge from war and religious persecution. With the Sahara as a backdrop, the ancient Ksars or fortified strongholds, with their surrounding mud brick villages still hold on to traditions that have endured the desert sands for centuries. Our tour of Algeria finishes back in the bustling capital, where the traditional Casbah is counterbalanced by a wonderfully engaging mix of Ottoman grandeur, French colonial chic and modern vibrancy.

As large as Algeria is, Tunisia on the other hand is a small, diverse country. Located across the Mediterranean Sea from Sicily, with Algeria its Western neighbour. First settled by the Berber tribes, Tunisia like Algeria, has hosted several cultures. Sited close to present day , where our tour starts, the rich and powerful city of was founded by the Phoenicians in the tenth century BCE. Following its destruction in 146 BCE, Rome reestablished the city, which grew to a peak population of 500,000.

Our tour of Tunisia will see us visiting Berber oasis villages with distinctive troglodyte houses, Roman cities with fine imperial monuments like ’s huge amphitheatre, museums with magnificent antique , and beautiful Islamic buildings constructed over 1,500 years. Just one of these is Kairouan’s ancient mosque, which played a key role in the Islamisation of North Africa. We will also encounter the fascinating ribats of and Monastir, built to defend Islamic Ifriqiyya from European incursions. From blue seas to sandy deserts, seaside cities and fishing villages, jagged hilltops and canyons, salt lakes, lush oases, and the worlds greatest desert. These two countries offer lands of incredible hospitality and an intriguing and extraordinary history in an area that is rarely visited by English speakers making them both classic Blue Dot destinations!

Itinerary correct as at Jul 24, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au Day 1, Thursday 14th October built boulevards and elegant apartments and villas, DEPARTURE Socialist-era monuments and public buildings, and an Depart Australia for Algiers. This evening we board our enduring Islamic heart ensconced in the steep, hillside Emirates flight for Algiers via Dubai ( flights to be Casbah. A welcome dinner is included in the hotel confirmed). Meals in flight. restaurant this evening. Overnight at Lamaraz Arts Hotel (or similar). D Day 2, Friday 15th October ALGIERS, ALGERIA Day 3, On our arrival in Algiers capital city of Algeria, we will be Saturday met at the airport and transferred to our hotel for an 16th October afternoon check in. After our long flight, the balance of the ALGIERS day is at leisure. Algiers, originally called Al-Jaza'ir, is built This morning we into the Sahel hills and runs for ten miles along the Bay of embark on a full day Algiers on the Mediterranean. This coastal location made it tour of Algiers. We perfect for the will transfer to the Barbary pirate upper part of stronghold it would Kasbah from where become in 1529 we begin our walking tour with a stroll through the narrowed CE, when the streets to visit the Centenary House designed in the early pirate "Redbeard" 20th century, offering a panoramic rooftop view over the expelled the bay of Algiers. We’ll then walk down streets filled with Spanish from the history, passing craft and artisan shops to visit Khedaouj El island of Penon, Amia Palace and the Mustapha Pasha Palace two Ottoman gaining control of era edifices which today house the Museum of Arts and the city for the Popular Traditions and the Museum of Calligraphy and the Ottoman Empire. Miniature, which we visit. We then continue, passing the The country's turbulent history is demonstrated in the city's Ketchaoua Mosque to The Palais des Rais (also known as richly textured architecture – the French colonised Algeria Bastion 23), a classified historical monument. Next, we in 1830 CE and stayed for 130 years leaving wide French- walk uphill to the of Notre Dame d'Afrique (lady of

Itinerary correct as at Jul 24, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au Africa), a Roman Catholic basilica inaugurated in 1872 CE. Day 6, Tuesday We then have free time to arrange our own lunch in a local 19th October restaurant. In the afternoon we visit the Hamma Botanical CONSTANTINE Garden and its different sections from French to English This morning we styles and end the tour by visiting the symbolic Martyr's depart on a half Monument, an iconic concrete monument commemorating day Setif tour to the Algerian war for independence, and its adjacent visit the Musee Museum. The monument was opened in 1982 on the 20th d'Archeologie. anniversary of Algeria's independence. This evening we This is a small, meet in the hotel foyer and depart for our evening meal in a well put together local restaurant. Overnight at Lamaraz Arts Hotel (or museum offering similar). B/D insight into the regions’ history, particularly the Roman Day 4, Sunday 17th October period, from which artefacts and architectural remnants ALGIERS abound. After our visit we return to the hotel, have some free time for lunch and to check out, then in the afternoon Today we depart on a full day excursion to visit Tipaza, we continue our journey to Constantine and check into our , and the Tomb of the Christians. We will leave hotel on arrival during the late afternoon. Dinner is served Algiers and travel west to the ruins of Tipaza (also called at the hotel. Overnight at Constantine Novotel Hotel (or ), originally a Phoenician trading post Tipaza became similar). B/D a Roman colony in the 2nd century CE. Later it became one of the most important Christian settlements in Northern Day 7, Wednesday 20th October Africa. With the coming of the Vandals and their Arian CONSTANTINE Christianity in 430 CE, most of the inhabitants fled to Spain. Today we depart on a full day excursion to Timgad and One the most interesting sites we visit at Tipaza is the . We start the day with a 2-hour drive to Timgad, Mausoleum built in the 5th century CE with 14 places for (Roman Thamugadi) today a World Heritage Site located sarcophagi, and the Museum, which is small but full of on the northern slopes of the Aures Atlas Mountains. valuable mosaics taken from the Basilica dating back to 1st Originally founded as a military colony by the Emperor century CE. After some free time to arrange our own lunch Trajan in 100 CE and designed for a population of around in Tipaza (known for its excellent seafood), we’ll continue to 15,000, the city quickly outgrew its original specifications Cherchell and the ruins of the former Roman port of and spilled beyond the grid in a more loosely-organised Caesarea. Cherchell was formerly a Phoenician, fashion, an excellent example of Roman town planning. Carthaginian, and Roman colony, and the capital of the Although only partly excavated, Timgad is spectacular in kingdoms of and . We’ll then return to both its scale and its setting. We explore the ruins then Algiers via a stop at the pyramid-like structure of the Tomb continue to Lambaesis where we visit our second Roman of the Christians, set on a hill with wonderful views over the town Lambessa. We tour the town to view the two triumphal surrounding countryside. The tomb actually pre-dates the arches, temples, aqueduct, amphitheatre, baths, and many Christian era and probably belongs to the pre- Roman era private houses. The camp of the third legion, charged with of the Numidian rulers. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. defending North Africa, was moved to Lambessa between Overnight at Lamaraz Arts Hotel. B/D 123 and 129 CE. The modern settlement was founded in Day 5, Monday 18th October 1848 CE by French agriculturalists attracted by the fertile SETIF soil. A large convict prison for French political deportees was established there in 1852 CE. After our visit, we’ll Today we depart Algiers and drive to Setif via Djemila, return to Constantine and our hotel. Dinner will be at a local Arabic for 'pretty town'. Situated 900m above sea level this restaurant tonight. Overnight at Constantine Novotel Hotel World Heritage Site is considered to be the most (or similar). B/D outstanding Roman site in Algeria. On our half day walking tour we will explore Roman Cuicul, viewing the , Day 8, Thursday 21st October Temples, , Triumphal Arches and Houses. Cuicul CONSTANTINE was an interesting example of Roman town planning Today we depart on a full day tour of Constantine which is adapted to a set astride a spectacular gorge that splits the city in two. mountain We'll begin the day with an excursion to visit , location. While hovering on a barren mountain slope some 30km from the site itself is Constantine. The ruined Roman town is perhaps the most not one of the impressively situated of all Algeria's Roman sites. The largest in North Romans arrived during the age of Augustus, but built much Africa, Djemila of what can now be seen in the 3rd century CE, adapting stands out as their fundamental rule of town planning – two straight one of the best- central streets that cross at the heart of the community – to preserved the curves of the site. Tiddis had no water sources, so one Roman ruins of of the most interesting features of the houses here are the North Africa and channels and cisterns. After our visit, we return to the adjoining Djemila Museum is packed with the most Constantine where we embark on a city tour to visit the amazing Roman mosaics. After our visit we continue to Museum of , the Suspension Bridges, Constantine Setif and check into our hotel late afternoon/early evening. Museum, Kasbah, and Palace of Ahmed Bey. Dinner will be Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Best Western Plus Hotel at a local restaurant. Overnight at Constantine Novotel (or similar). B/D Hotel (or similar). B/D

Itinerary correct as at Jul 24, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au Day 9, Friday 22nd October Medina. After check in, the remainder of the day is at GHARDAIA leisure. Dinner is at the hotel. Overnight at Tunisia Palace Hotel (or similar). B/D Today we transfer to the airport for our flight to Ghardaia (via Algiers), located in the UNESCO World Heritage region Day 13, Tuesday 26th October of the M’Zab valley. On arrival we will be transferred to our TUNIS hotel. In the afternoon flight time-permitting, we embark on This morning we depart today on a full day tour of Tunis. a Ghardaia walking tour to explore the markets and We begin with a walk through the Old Medina, its narrow architecture unique to this region. The valley, on the edge of lanes crowded with markets, mosques, tombs and palaces. the Sahara, is actually a cluster of five towns: Ghardaia, This was the Tunis the French encountered when they Melika, Beni Isguen, Bou Noura, and El-Atteuf. Often arrived in the late 19th century. Like so many colonials, the referred to collectively as ‘Ghardaia’, the once distinct French built their quarters away from the local town, and villages are gradually sprawling together, but retain the Ville Nouvelle, the French Quarter, stands outside the separate identities. Our afternoon is at leisure before eastern gate of the city, the Bab el Bahr (the Sea Gate), meeting for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at located today in the middle of Place de la Victoire. We pass Ghardaia Residence Les Deux Tours (or similar). B/D through the various souks of spices, carpets, clothing, gold, Day 10, and the Souk des Chechias, the area of workshops where Saturday the traditional red hats of the Tunisians are still hand made. 23rd En route we see the Great Jemaa Zitouna Mosque and the October elegant Place du Gouvernment with its historic buildings GHARDAIA now all converted to government offices. We emerge from the medina here to meet our car and drive to the ancient Today we step Carthaginian Cemetery -- the Tophet, or sanctuary to back in time and & . Roman propaganda, always hostile to their depart on a full enemies, stated that the Carthaginians ritually sacrificed day excursion to their children here to the gods, though modern explore the M'Zab archaeological studies have found little evidence to support Valley. The M’Zab this. Our next stop is the Punic Ports, once the foundation is home to a of Carthage's prosperity. Here we see the remains of what conservative Muslim sect known as the Ibadites, who broke was once a from mains-tream Islam some 900 years ago. This is, some sophisticated naval say, a country unto itself, with ancient, unchanging social harbour, complete codes. The traditional white haik (a head-to-toe wool wrap) with ship sheds for is worn by most women, who cover their entire face, dry-docking warships exposing only one eye. Men sport extravagantly pleated and an elaborate baggy trousers called saroual loubia. While locals here can merchant harbour for be reserved, it's a friendly and surprisingly laid-back place. the fleets of cargo Spend a full day visiting traditional marketplaces, enjoying ships which engaged the lively atmosphere, colours and unique architecture. in trade throughout We’ll wander the narrow streets, visit important religious the Mediterranean. monuments and mosques, and enjoy the natural beauty. From here we visit Byrsa Hill -- the ancient acropolis and Dinner is at the hotel. Overnight at the Ghardaia Residence the first area to be settled by the Phoenicians. Crowning the Les Deux Tours. B/D hill is the 19th century CE of St. Louis and the Day 11, Sunday 24th October Carthage Museum with finds excavated from the city. Our ALGIERS final stop is the Antonine Baths, the monumental public baths of ancient Carthage. In the 2nd century CE, these Today we’ll transfer to the airport and fly back to the capital, were the largest baths in North Africa and the third largest Algiers. On arrival we’ll be transferred to the hotel for check in the Roman world. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in. Any balance of the day is at leisure for last minute at Tunisia Palace Hotel. B/D shopping in the souk or just soaking up cafe culture. This evening, we’ll meet in the hotel foyer and depart for our Day 14, Wednesday 27th October farewell to Algeria dinner and cultural show in a local restaurant. Overnight at the Lamaraz Arts Hotel (or similar). We leave Tunis early this morning and drive south to B/D Tabarka visiting Testour, and Bulla Regia en route. Day 12, Monday 25th October Our first stop is the charming village of Testour, founded by TUNIS, TUNISIA refugees from Andalusia in the 17th century CE, who brought their sophisticated culture with them -- everything Today we transfer to the airport to catch our flight to from agricultural techniques and products to decorative Tunisia. On our arrival in Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, tilework, fine architecture, music and poetry. Even today the we will be met and transferred to the hotel. The modern city inhabitants of Testour take pride in their Andalusian extends along the Mediterranean coastal plains into the heritage, which is visible in their hospitality, dress, surrounding hills. Tunis is a bustling metropolis on the Gulf craftsmanship and music. We will visit the Great Mosque of Tunis, and home to one-sixth of the country’s population. with its tiled octagonal minaret -- the only one in Tunisia A city of contrasts; modern office buildings, shopping malls with a clock – a feature reminiscent of the church bell and European cafes, the colonial French architecture of towers of Aragon and Castile. We then follow the Medjerda Ville Nouvelle, and the dynamic Arab souks of the old River valley to Dougga, the best-preserved Roman city in

Itinerary correct as at Jul 24, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au Tunisia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour of Old Medina of Kairouan -- the entire medina is monumental Capitolium Temple stands in the city's Forum, protected by UNESCO. Meandering through the lanes, we with a breathtaking view over the green rolling hills and will stop to admire the beautiful traditional doors and plains below. The theatres, gymnasia, baths, shops, stone architectural styles, the main monuments, markets, pastry paved streets and lavish villas are all testimony to the shops and traditional workshops where weavers still create golden age this North African city enjoyed during the intricate textiles on hand looms. Dinner tonight is at a local Roman era. After lunch we visit Bulla Regia. This ancient restaurant. Overnight at Hotel La Kasbah (or similar). B/D site is famous for its unique subterranean villas, which belonged to the wealthiest of its inhabitants. We descend to Day 16, Friday 29th October see these luxurious villas and their splendid floor mosaics, TOZEUR still in situ. Next, we drive to Tabarka through the scenic We start the day with a half day Kairouan tour visiting the Khroumirie Mountains, where the road climbs 900m Great Mosque of Kairouan, the oldest, largest and most through cork and oak forests to the charming alpine town of important mosque in Tunisia. The lowest story of the Ain Draham before descending to sea level and our towering minaret is thought to date to 730 CE, one century destination. Today, Tabarka is a charming Mediterranean earlier than the structure of the present mosque. Inside we resort with an expansive beach and picturesque harbour. In will see the colonnaded courtyard with its ancient wellheads antiquity, Tabarka was the port from which exotic African and sundials, and the forest of columns of the prayer animals were shipped all over the to supply sanctuary. The the amphitheatre games and triumphal processions. Also hundreds of shipped were precious Numidian Marbles from the inland columns all differ quarries, coveted for its unusual golden and pink from one another, hues. This exotic stone can be seen in prestigious ancient in marble types, monuments in Algeria, Italy, Greece, Turkey and the across size, shape and the Levant. Since medieval times, red coral, African capital designs, commodities and slaves were traded from Tabarka. We since most were make a brief stop to see the Genoese Fortress, and the taken from ancient strange sandstone formations on the port, locally known as Roman sites and "Les Aiguilles" (The Needles), with their spectacular hues of reused in the red, orange and yellow, then check into our hotel. Dinner mosque's and overnight at Dar Ismail Tabarka Hotel (or similar). B/D construction. Our final stop before leaving Kairouan is the Mausoleum of Sidi Sahab, also known as the Mosque of Day 15, Thursday 28th October the Barber. The name Sahab means that he was one of the KAIROUAN original Companions of the Prophet, and thus today, his This morning we’ll head east and drive to the Holy City of tomb is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Kairouan. Enroute, a stop to see the surviving stretches of the Maghreb. We stop to admire its beautifully decorated the Roman Aqueduct which once supplied water to ancient interior, with its ornate stucco, tile and woodwork. We Carthage over a distance of 132 km. On arrival in Kairouan continue to the spectacular Roman city of Sufeitula. The we check into the hotel. In the afternoon we depart on a Roman civic centre is incredibly photogenic, due to the half day tour of Kairouan and its environs. We’ll leave town excellent state of preservation its three monumental and drive through temples dedicated to Juno, Jupiter and Minerva towering the fertile valleys over the Forum. , like other North African cities, and rolling hills of prospered in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE under the Pax the North. Since Romana. Upon entering the site, we will see olive press -- antiquity, Tunisia one of many in the city, since the inhabitants here became has been extremely wealthy from the trade of olives and olive oil. referred to by After visiting the forum and its temples, we will walk through other Maghreb Sbeitla's stone paved streets to see the public baths, the countries by the theatre, and numerous Christian basilicas with their epithet, "Tunisia elaborate baptisteries covered in colourful mosaics. In the the Green." This afternoon we head to the south via , the capital of the area is a region and where the earliest remains have been found of favourite haven the sophisticated. Capsian culture, prehistoric ancestors of for storks, who build their nest on top of telephone towers, the modern-day , dating to over 10,000 years ago minarets and rooftops. We then head toward the Sahel, the when this area was a savannah. We arrive late afternoon in transitional barren region between the fertile north and the the fascinating oasis town of Tozeur. Since medieval times, Sahara Desert to the south. Kairouan is not only the Tozeur was the administrative and economic centre of the spiritual centre of Tunisia, it is the first Islamic city to be region due to its oasis, strategic location between the established in North Africa, and the 4th oldest Muslim city Sahara and the north and west of the great lakes, and as outside of Arabia. Founded as the capital of the region in an important trading center on the ancient caravan routes. 670 CE by the Arab general Oqba ibn Nafi, Kairouan soon Merchants from North and West Africa gathered in this acquired magnificent ramparts, mosques, palaces and thriving market centre to trade goods such as wool, dates, hammams. Our first stop is the Aghlabid Basins, enormous gold, ivory and slaves. Some of the finest dates in the world artificial reservoirs constructed in the 9th century CE to are grown in the region, including the deglat nour ("finger of store water for Kairouan as part of a monumental system in light"). Medieval accounts note that over 1,000 camels left which water was brought to the city from 36km away by here per day, laden with dates alone! We will take a brief aqueducts. Later this afternoon we embark on a walking walking tour through the old town to admire some of its 14th

Itinerary correct as at Jul 24, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au century CE architecture and distinctive style of brickwork. Our first visit is the excellent Ethnographic Museum of The only place outside of Tozeur and Nefta where this Patrimonie, which celebrates the island's peoples and ornamental use of bricks can be seen is in Iran, where it traditions. Here we see displays of marriage festivals and may have originated in the 8th century CE, brought by Arab traditional wedding dresses from various parts of the invaders. Dinner is at the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Dar country, traditional costumes of the island, circumcision Saida Baya (or similar). B/D ceremonies, household and agricultural implements, and displays of typical arts of weaving, calligraphy, jewellery and Day 17, Saturday 30th October metalwork. Next, we visit the Guellala, the pottery producing centre of the island where we see the kilns and Today we drive to Djerba Island via Degache and Matmata. workshops. Next is El Ghriba ("The Miracle") Synagogue, We begin our day with a short drive to the nearby oasis of one of the oldest synagogues and most important Jewish Degache where we take a horse drawn carriage (caleche) pilgrimage sites in the world. Djerba is home to one of the into the oasis to learn about oasis farming and the date world's most ancient Jewish communities: tradition states harvest. One of the oldest in the country, the Degache is that they arrived here after the First Destruction of the still a fully functioning oasis, where a three-tiered system of Temple by Nebuchadnezzar in 566 BCE. This synagogue is agriculture can still be seen - in order to make the most fascinating for its historic and spiritual importance, as well efficient use of the available fertile land in the desert, the as for its distinctive style of architecture (a marvellous blend higher date Palms shelter a second tier of fruit trees, which of Jewish, Tunisian, Maghrebian and Sephardic elements). in turn shelter vegetable and herb gardens. Here in the We proceed to the main Houmt Souq, where we stop to see oasis we see a staggering array of agricultural products, the medieval fort, Borj el Kebir; this picturesque fort was the including date palms, citrus, apricot, banana and scene of a bloody conflict in 1560 CE between the forces of pomegranate trees, and beneath them vegetables, alfalfa, Dragut, the Barbary corsair, and Philip II of Spain. Dragut herbs and henna. Our journey now continues eastwards massacred the entire Spanish Armada and all of Philip's across Chott El Jerid, Tunisia's largest salt-lake, extending men who had retreated inside the fortress. The small white over 5,000 square km. The chott lies 30m below sea level, obelisk in front of the castle marks the place where the and is a remnant from over 1.5 million years ago when the famous "Pyramid of Skulls" stood for over 300 years, area was flooded by the sea. Water on the surface of the erected by Dragut as a warning to potential invaders. We salt floor reflects strange hues of pink and yellow, and the then explore the fruit and vegetable markets, watch the refraction of light on this depression often creates mirages. action at the daily fish auctions, and wander the narrow Leaving the Sahara behind, our next scenic drive is through lanes and souqs. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. You the mountains to Matmata, where the inhabitants live in may wish to stay in Houmt Souq, go to the beach, or relax rock-hewn dwellings ("troglodytes" homes), some of which by the hotel swimming pool. Dinner at a local restaurant are over 400 years old. We visit the pit dwelling of a local Overnight at Hotel Dar Dhiafa. B/D family who will happily show us around. We will also stop to see the cave home which appeared in the first Star Wars Day 19, Monday 1st November film (1977) and was later converted into Hotel Sidi Driss. SOUSSE The final leg of our journey takes us by ferry (or causeway) Today we rise early, catch the ferry (or causeway) to the out to the legendary Island of Djerba, where we then mainland, and drive to Sousse via visits to Gabes, El Djem transfer to our hotel for check in. Overnight and dinner at and Monastir. Our drive takes us through one of the main Hotel Dar Dhiafa (or similar). B/D olive growing regions of the country. Tunisia has over 65 million olive trees (6 for each inhabitant) and is currently the Day 18, 4th largest exporter of olive oil in the world. We follow the Sunday coast past the cities of Gabes and Sfax, before heading 31st inland to El Djem (ancient ) where we visit the October excellent Archaeological Museum, with its splendid DJERBA collection of floor mosaics from the villas of the wealthiest Today we embark inhabitants of El Djem. Just behind the museum is the on a full day tour House of Africa, an opulent villa covering over 3,000 square of Djerba. We metres, which was spend the found in the centre of morning exploring town, dismantled and the sites of this moved here in its splendid island. Originally settled by the Phoenicians, the entirety. The villa is Isle of Djerba is the mythical place where Odysseus named after one of its encountered the Lotus Eaters during his journey back home excellent fine floor from Troy. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Vandals, mosaics depicting the Normans, Arabs, Spaniards, and Ottoman Turks -- all have Goddess of Africa come to Djerba and left their footprint. Historically Djerba (the only of its has been known for its sponge fishing and agriculture -- kind in the world). The here we can find olive trees which are over 1000 years old. sudden appearance The island today is one of Tunisia’s most famous resorts, of the massive Roman Amphitheatre is an extraordinary with its small villages, charming towns, and 125k of sandy sight. With a capacity of 30,000 spectators, it rises 3 stories beaches. Today’s inhabitants have a society and culture above the surrounding plains -- though smaller than the distinct from Tunisians of the mainland. Here we find a mix Coliseum in Rome, it is in many ways more impressive due of Arabs, Berbers, Andalusians and Jews, all who differ in to its excellent state of preservation. It was built during the their cultural traditions, names, dialect and style of dress. reigns of the (usurper) Emperors Gordion I and his son,

Itinerary correct as at Jul 24, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au Gordian II, both of whom reigned for only a few weeks abandoned during the First Punic War, so the Romans before being defeated by the legions sent from Rome. Wild never destroyed it, nor built their own city on top of it, so all beast fights, gladiatorial combats, circuses and games were the foundations of the held here. We climb up to the upper tiers for excellent views Phoenician city of the arena and surrounding countryside, before remain still intact. We descending to the basement to see the chambers where explore the site for an scenery, gladiators, prisoners and wild animals were kept. hour or so, then Wild animals were hoisted by a sophisticated system of continue to visit Sidi elevators and pulleys into the arena to the delight of the Bou Said, a charming spectators. After lunch, our journey takes us to the beautiful hilltop village, famous coastal city of Monastir, the birth place of Tunisia's first for its beautifully president, Habib Bourguiba. Here we will see the decorated blue and Mausoleum where he and his family members are buried. white architecture. We will also see the Ribat (fortress) of Monastir, which Visited by the likes of served as a watchtower, defensive fort, and sanctuary of Cervantes, Simone prayer and study for Aghlabid holy warriors in the 9th de Beauvoir and Jean Foucault, Sidi Bou Said made an century CE. It was just one of a chain of ribats and indelible impression on the works of Paul Klee, August watchtowers built along the North African coast to defend Macke and Louis Moilliet who stayed here together in 1914 against marauding Christians (others surviving examples CE. We have some free time to explore this beautiful village are found in Sousse and Djerba). The ribat of Monastir has overlooking the Mediterranean Sea before we drive to Tunis also been used as a set of many films, including Monty and our hotel for check in. This evening we meet in the Python's Life of Brian. You may wish to climb the spiral hotel foyer and depart for our farewell evening meal and staircase in the tower for excellent views over Monastir and cultural show in a local restaurant. Overnight at Tunisia the Mediterranean Sea. A short drive leads us to our Palace Hotel (or similar). B/D destination, the beautiful resort city of Sousse where we check into our hotel. Dinner and overnight at Hotel El Day 22, Thursday 6th November Mouradi Palace Port el Kantaoui (or similar). B/D Tunis to Australia This morning after breakfast we have a late check out from Day 20, Tuesday our hotel and transfer to Tunis airport for our flight back to 4th November Australia. B/meals in flight. HAMMAMET This morning we Day 23, Friday 7th November depart on a half day Arrive home. tour of Old Sousse, where we explore the Medina, and wander through the Old City. We then return to the hotel. In the afternoon check out and drive to Hammamet. We depart Sousse and take the highway up the coast. Hammamet was a sleepy fishing village until the 1920's, when millionaire shipping magnate, George Sebastien, built a luxurious villa here; it was subsequently visited by artists, writers and celebrities. Today it is a bustling seaside resort. We disembark and walk through the tiny walled Medina to see its charming whitewashed houses, the 15th century CE Mosque, and the Medieval Fortress overlooking the sea. On our arrival, we check into our beach front hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Dinner is served at a local restaurant tonight. Overnight at Hotel Le Royal Yasmine (or similar). B/D

Day 21, Wednesday 5th November TUNIS This morning we drive to Tunis, stopping en route to visit (or Kerkuane), one of the best-preserved cities of the Phoenician Empire - its Necropolis now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. was a seafaring civilisation that flourished between 1500 and 300 BCE and had its base on the Levantine coast. Trade routes covered most of the African coastline and the Mediterranean islands. The two important Punic cities in Tunisia were Carthage and Kerkouane, both independent city states but sharing a culture and the Phoenician alphabet. Kerkouane was

Itinerary correct as at Jul 24, 2020 but subject to change. ALL flights to be confirmed. www.bluedottravel.com.au