Visited in June 2019
Marhabaan bikum fi Tunis!!
Tunisia was not in our top to do list, however, this destination came up as the best bet for a short Eid break from Dubai. So, we spent 2 nights / 3 days in this beautiful Mediterranean country.
Our itinerary was to explore Tunis and near by destinations followed by an outskirts expedition
1) Sidi Bou Said
2) Carthage ruins
3) Markets and Olive orchards
4) Great Mosque of Kairouan
5) Souqs
6) El Djem
A visit to Sidi Bou Said and its see its colored doors was much awaited and the place just won our hearts. We took a local train from Tunis to Sidi Bou Said, well, you could hire a taxi too, but we chose train for some local ambiance. You have a fine hike to the top of Sidi Bou Said where you get the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. All the way up you get to see several of those typical Tunisian colored doors - mostly blue, also in yellow, black and red. So many bougainvillea all around in various peppy colors adds to the beauty of this place. The serenity is at its peak when it comes to walking around the villas painted in white with the blue windows and doors, and the evening breeze and Mediterranean views makes it worth for every minute spent there. Lots of shops around selling Tunisian souvenirs in this area.
We spent the evening exploring the Tunis city and its markets, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. My son got a local friend and we did some souvenir shopping.
The next day was a long drive in a hired taxi to Kairouan mosque and El Djem. On the way there are plenty of olive orchards to stop by for a photo.
The Great Mosque of Kairouan is a UNESCO Heritage Site and dates back to 7th century, one of the oldest mosques in the world. The place is calm and serene and a has typical Tunisian souqs around it. After spending a good around of time strolling around the mosque, we visited the carpet house in one of the alleys of the souq and then drove to El Djem.
El Djem is a Roman style amphitheater which resembles the Colosseum in Rome.
On the last day of our trip, we made a quick visit to the Carthage ruins and once again got those beautiful Mediterranean views.
Our family moments in Tunisia
Wadaeaan!!
Capital City - Tunis
Visa - On arrival for Indians. Please visit govt. website for more information
Currency - Tunisian Dinar
Best Time to Visit - March - June and September - October. Eid holidays would be a complete lock down of the city. No restaurants, shops, pharmacies.
Popular Souvenirs - Desert Rose, Silver ornaments, Tunisian cage miniature, Tunisian door and window miniatures
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