Best Things to Do in Tunisia

As a country steeped in ancient history, natural beauty, and cultural riches, Tunisia offers a wealth of experiences for first-time and returning travelers. From the mountain oases of the desert to pristine Mediterranean beaches and Roman ruins, Tunisia is a destination of abundance, appealing to every type of visitor.

At Xperience Tunisia, we specialize in Multi-Day Tours of Tunisia that provide guests a private journey through major landmarks and hidden gems. Our Tunisia travel guides are experts in crafting personalized itineraries to ensure travelers enjoy a journey that is at once thrilling and luxurious.

We’ve created this guide to the best things to do in Tunisia, spanning varied activities such as touring Africa’s largest colosseum and exploring the remnants of ancient Carthage. Keep reading for inspiration for your own luxury Tunisia itinerary, and feel free to contact us with any questions about our tours.

Explore a narrow cobblestone street in Tunisia, where a large blue arch door and white walls are adorned with lush greenery and elegant blue metal fences.

Stroll Through Tunis Medina

Begin your journey by immersing yourself in the cultural heart of Tunisia — the Tunis Medina. Dating back to the 7th century, the medina has served as the capital for numerous successive dynasties. It is today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional architectural and cultural value.

With over 700 monuments, including Zitouna Mosque and numerous madrasas, the medina takes you through centuries of heritage. Then, of course, are the souks, where you can meet local vendors and shop for artisanal products.

People sit at a rooftop cafe overlooking a cityscape with a large illuminated minaret at dusk, enjoying the perfect backdrop to their tailor-made Tunisia private tours.

Explore the Ruins of Ancient Carthage

On the outskirts of the city, you’ll find the ruins of what was once the powerhouse of the ancient Mediterranean. Founded by the Phoenicians, Carthage was a legendary city, serving as a vital point of trade and a rival to Rome. It was eventually destroyed in the Third Punic War, giving rise to Roman Carthage. While the city eventually went into decline, many artifacts remain at what is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting today, you’ll see the ruins of theaters, baths, and basilicas.

Discover the ancient ruins of Tunisia, where stone structures and columns stand majestically against the backdrop of the sea and a clear blue sky. Experience Tunisia's historical treasures, surrounded by vibrant trees and vegetation.

Admire the Great Mosque of Kairouan

Continue your journey from the capital inland to discover one of the most significant religious sites in all of Tunisia. The Great Mosque of Kairouan is both one of the oldest places of worship in Islam, dating back to the 7th century, and one of the largest Islamic monuments in North Africa, spanning 9,000 square meters. Kairouan was an important religious center in the Maghreb, and remains a site of pilgrimage today.

If you’re interested in learning more about Tunisia’s exceptional heritage, read our guide on how to Discover Tunisia’s Ancient History on a Multi-Day Tour.

A large mosque courtyard with arched colonnades and a central square tower stands majestically under a clear blue sky, epitomizing the architectural marvels you'll discover on Tailor-Made Tunisia Private Tours.

Journey to the Mountain Oases of Tunisia

Traveling deeper into the desert landscapes of Tunisia, a series of mountain oases appear as if from a dream. The city of Tozeur and the towns of Chebika and Tamarza offer a lush escape in the Sahara.

Tozeur is known for its expansive palm groves, which you can explore on foot, by bicycle, or even horse-drawn carriage. Just outside of the city, Chebika and Tamarza flow with waterfalls, bringing blissful respite from the desert heat. Chebika was once a Roman outpost, while Tamarza is considered the largest mountain oasis in Tunisia.

Explore the stunning desert landscape of Tunisia with sandy hills and rocky formations, all surrounded by lush green palm trees under a clear blue sky. Perfect for tailor-made Tunisia private tours that reveal hidden gems amidst the natural beauty.

Go Camel Riding in the Sahara

For a true desert experience, make your way to Douz, considered the gateway to the Sahara. Here, you can travel across the landscape on a camel ride like a traditional Berber or go speeding among the dunes on an ATV. Surrounded by nothing but golden sands, exploring Douz is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If it’s your first time visiting Tunisia, read more about how to travel safely with our guide, Safety in Tunisia: Luxury Travel with Peace of Mind.

Under a clear blue sky, a person leads two camels across the expansive sandy desert dunes, capturing the essence of an authentic Tunisia adventure.

Discover the Vibrant Djerba Island

If the heat of the desert gets too much, travel west to the coastline, where Djerba Island awaits. The largest island in North Africa, Djerba, reflects a medley of influences from Arab, Jewish, and Berber cultures. Djerba is home to the oldest synagogue in Tunisia, the open-air gallery of Djerbahood, and the bustling markets of Houmt Souk, making it a delight for history and culture buffs. One of its greatest attractions is undoubtedly its pristine beaches, primely located on the Mediterranean Sea.

White building with a large blue arched door, adorned with pink bougainvillea, invites you into the vibrant heart of Tunisia. A circular mosaic decorates the wall, and potted plants line the ground—perfect for exploring on tailor-made Tunisia private tours.

Visit the Great Amphitheater of El Jem

Turning back northwards from Djerba Island to follow the coastline, you’ll encounter one of Tunisia’s greatest landmarks. In the town of El Jem, discover the near-intact remains of the largest colosseum in Africa. Able to hold up to 35,000 spectators, the El Jem Amphitheater is a feat of architecture and a near mirror image of the Roman Colosseum. Explore inside with your Tunisia travel guide and be transported back to the time of gladiators.

the majestic exterior of the ancient Roman amphitheater El Djem in Tunisia, its grand arches standing proudly under a partly cloudy sky—a must-see on Tailor-Made Tunisia Private Tours.

Tour the Coastal Towns of Monastir, Sousse, and Hammamet

Journeying back to Tunis, you’ll pass through the breathtaking coastal resort towns of Monastir, Sousse, and Hammamet. These towns are home to some of the best beaches in Tunisia, as well as historic landmarks, top-tier restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

During a stop in Monastir, you can explore the Ribat of Monastir, one of the most impressive Islamic fortresses. Sousse, known as the “Pearl of the Sahel”, offers a bustling medina and beautiful beaches, while Hammamet is a prime destination for watersports such as jet skiing and scuba diving.

White buildings with domed roofs overlook the Mediterranean Sea in a picturesque coastal town, surrounded by greenery and a stone wall. Experience Tunisia's unique charm and explore its beauty with our tailor-made Tunisia private tours.

Craft Your Luxury Tunisia Itinerary with Xperience Tunisia

On our tours of Tunisia, we experience all of the above locations and more. If you found this itinerary enticing, our Amazing Tunisia: Private 7-Day Tunisia Tour follows this journey with additional destinations and activities, such as visiting Star Wars film locations and meeting local Berbers. It’s also completely customizable, allowing you to take charge of the route.

Should you be feeling inspired but would prefer to craft your own luxury Tunisia itinerary from scratch, consider our Custom Tunisia Tour Builder, where your journey is in your hands. However you dream of discovering Tunisia, our team is here to provide you with a carefully crafted, luxury tour. If you have any questions about our excursions, don’t hesitate to contact us.