Day 1: Tunis – The Capital’s Highlights
Start your trip in Tunis, Tunisia’s capital, where modern life blends seamlessly with ancient history. Begin your day with a visit to the Medina of Tunis. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you can explore its narrow streets and souks, where craftsmen sell everything from handmade sandals to spices.
After exploring the Medina, head over to the Bardo Museum. It’s home to one of the most impressive collections of Roman mosaics you’ll ever see. The museum is in a former palace, so the architecture alone is worth the visit.
In the afternoon, take a short trip to Carthage, which is only a 20-minute drive from the city center. Carthage was a major Phoenician city and later a hub of the Roman Empire. The ruins are scattered across different sites, so don’t rush. Visit the Antonine Baths and the Roman amphitheater to get a real feel for its history.
Later in the evening, visit Sidi Bou Said, a coastal village perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s known for its white and blue buildings. Walk around, grab a coffee at Café des Nattes, and enjoy the sunset; you’ll want your camera for this.
Day 2: Tunis to Kairouan – Diving Into Islamic Heritage
Start your day early and head to Kairouan—it’s about a 2-hour drive from Tunis. Kairouan is considered the fourth holiest city in Islam. Once you arrive, start by visiting the Great Mosque of Kairouan. It was built in the 7th century and remains one of the most important Islamic monuments in North Africa.
After that, take a walk through the Medina of Kairouan. Much quieter than Tunis, but equally charming. The souks here are more laid-back, and this is the place to pick up traditional carpets.
For lunch, try some Tunisian couscous or brik, a thin pastry filled with egg and tuna that’s one of the country’s most famous dishes.
In the afternoon, head over to the Aghlabid Basins. These are massive ancient water reservoirs built in the 9th century to supply the city with water. It’s quite a unique stop and not overly crowded.
Spend the night in Kairouan. Most budget-friendly and mid-range hotels here are fairly basic, but they’re comfortable enough for a night’s rest.
Day 3: Kairouan to Sousse – Relaxing by the Sea
On Day 3, travel to Sousse. It’s just an hour away by car, and the change of pace will be refreshing. Sousse is a beautiful coastal city with stretches of sandy beaches and historical landmarks.
In the morning, visit the Ribat of Sousse. This fortress-monastery used to protect the city from attacks and is well-preserved. You can climb to the top and get a stunning view of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea.
After that, head next door to the Medina of Sousse. This is another UNESCO heritage site and a lovely place to wander without a strict plan. You’ll come across plenty of markets and cafes, perfect for a break and a snack.
In the afternoon, spend some time relaxing at one of Sousse’s beaches. Bou Jaafar Beach is the most popular and offers soft sand and clear water. If you’re looking for something quieter, head a little north towards Port El Kantaoui. You can even rent a boat here or just relax at one of the beachside cafes.
Day 4: El Jem – Exploring Roman Marvels
On Day 4, head to El Jem, about an hour and a half from Sousse. This might seem like a quick stop, but it’s one of Tunisia’s most spectacular attractions. The Roman amphitheater of El Jem is almost as large as the Colosseum in Rome but with far fewer crowds. You can walk around inside the arena, below the stands, and even climb the upper levels for a bird’s-eye view.
Next, visit the nearby El Jem Museum. It’s not too big, but it has incredible mosaics and artifacts from the Roman era. You can also see restored remains of Roman villas in the museum’s garden, which gives you a glimpse of what life was like here centuries ago.
By afternoon, you could either return to Sousse or head towards Mahdia, a small town known for its peaceful vibe and stunning beaches. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. If you’re in Mahdia, check out the Skifa Kahla gate and stroll around the Medina.
Spend the night in Sousse or Mahdia, depending on your preference. Both towns have options ranging from budget hotels to seaside resorts.
Day 5: Sousse to Hammamet – Relax and Reflect
For your final day, head to Hammamet, which is an hour’s drive from Sousse. Hammamet is Tunisia’s main beach resort town, and this is where you’ll want to kick back and enjoy some final beach time.
Start your day at Hammamet’s old Medina. The Medina sits right on the shore, and its fortress offers panoramic views of the beach and sea. Wander the streets and maybe pick up some last-minute souvenirs.
Next, relax at one of Hammamet’s public beaches. The sands are clean, and the water is incredibly clear. You can easily spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or just strolling along the shore. There are beach restaurants everywhere, so finding a good spot for lunch will be easy.
If you’re up for a final bit of sightseeing, you can visit the Roman and Byzantine ruins at Pupput, just outside the town. It’s a quieter site but worth a stop if you have some extra time.
End your trip with a leisurely dinner at one of Hammamet’s beachfront restaurants. Try some seafood or grilled lamb as you watch the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Travel Tips
Transportation
If you’re planning to drive, the roads are generally good, and traffic outside cities tends to be light. Taxis are also pretty affordable, but make sure the meter is used. For long distances, you can use shared louages (minibuses), which connect most towns and cities. They’re cheap, but expect to wait until it’s full before departure.
What to Pack
Tunisia is a sunny country, so bring sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, especially in Kairouan. Comfortable shoes are a must since you’ll be doing a lot of walking, particularly in cities like Tunis and Kairouan.
Food
Tunisian food is delicious. Don’t miss the chance to try brik, couscous, and mechouia (grilled vegetable salad). Also, mint tea is a favorite and served everywhere, especially with a side of pastries like baklava.
That’s your 5-day itinerary for Tunisia. The pace isn’t too fast, and you’ll get a bit of everything: ancient Roman ruins, Islamic history, relaxing beach time, and time to explore Tunisia’s beautiful medinas and coastal views. Enjoy your trip!
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