Atlas Mountains Berber Villages Tour from Sousse
Excursions & day trips

Atlas Mountains Berber Villages Tour from Sousse

Free cancellation
Language: English
Printed ticket only
Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Do this because
  • Explore the amphitheatre and ruins of the ancient Roman city of Uthina
  • Discover the half-ruined remote Berber village of Zriba El Alya
  • Enjoy a traditional Berber lunch in an eco-farm cottage in Zaghouan
  • Visit the beautifully located ancient water temple of Zaghouan
  • Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of the Tunisian Atlas
What to expect

The remote Berber villages of Tunisia's Atlas Mountains are about as far away from modernity as you can get. On this tour, you'll be whisked away in an off-road vehicle into these highlands to visit the Roman ruins of Zaghouan and Uthina as well as the mountain village Zriba El Alya. Mohamed, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Zriba El Alya was deserted in the 1960s after the development of the new town in the plain. But four to five families still live here among the ruins, which now mostly serve as sheepfolds.'

Your Atlas adventure begins at the little-visited Uthina, which is still being excavated by archaeologists. Admire the amphitheatre – up to 16,000 spectators watched gladiatorial combats – the magnificent mosaics unearthed in villas and more. The Roman theme continues at the Zaghouan Water Temple, site of an ancient sacred spring. Its location, fringed by pine trees at the foot of a mountain, gives an indication of just how revered it was by the ancients.

We'll then drop into a Zaghouan eco-lodge set in beautiful gardens for a Tunisian pastry cookery demonstration and a typical lunch made from locally sourced ingredients. What's more, your visit contributes to the local community and economy. The day's final stop is the half-ruined Berber village of Zriba El Alya, which lies on a craggy ridge. It boasts superb views of Djebel Zaghouan, the fourth highest peak in Tunisia, and the coastline. Your guide will fill you in on the story behind its hard-to-reach location.

Read more
What's included
  • check Lunch
  • check Guide
  • check 4x4 tour
  • check Transport
  • check Admission fees
  • check Demonstration
What to remember
  • Wear clothes you won't mind getting dirty
  • Itinerary subject to change
  • Not suitable for expectant mothers or guests with back problems
  • Bring suitable footwear
  • Not suitable for expectant mothers
  • Not suitable for guests with poor health
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs
  • Not suitable for guests with reduced mobility
Read more
Provider
TUI TUNISIA
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

You might also like

Tunisian Sahara Two-Day Tour from Sousse
Excursions & day trips

Tunisian Sahara Two-Day Tour from Sousse

The desert sands of Tunisia are sprinkled with Hollywood stardust. This two-day tour takes you to some of the country's top filming locations. You'll visit ancient Roman ruins and underground houses, cross a vast salt lake and spend the night in an oasis on the fringes of the Sahara. Hamdi, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Luke Skywalker's home is in Matmata, a cave village where the houses are hollowed out of the rock. The sandstone is soft enough to dig deep pits, and then dig out caves around the edge, to form the underground rooms. Each room opens onto the base of the pit, which becomes a central courtyard.'Begin your desert adventure at El Jem Colosseum. This ancient Roman stadium used to seat 35,000 spectators, entertained by gladiatorial fights and chariot races. After your cultural fix, head to Matmata, for lunch and a visit to the rock-cut cave homes that starred in the Star Wars films. Finish the day in your very own oasis for an overnight stay in Douz, the ‘Gateway to the Sahara'.In the morning, you'll cross Chott el Djerid, a rust-washed salt lake, before hopping into a 4x4 for a ride to Onk Jemal. Here, you'll explore a film set city built exclusively for Star Wars. After stopping for a Tunisian lunch at Gafsa, you'll round off the tour with a photo stop at historic Kairouan. You won't be able to resist taking lots of pics of the richly decorative mosques that give the town an abundance of character.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fr 

Tunisian Camel Caravan Tour
Activities

Tunisian Camel Caravan Tour

There's still no better way to explore a desert than on the back of a camel. This camel caravan adventure allows you to become sultan of the sands and discover aspects of traditional country life in Tunisia.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Ancient Carthage and Sidi Bou Said Tour with Lunch
Excursions & day trips

Ancient Carthage and Sidi Bou Said Tour with Lunch

Carthage was the capital of ancient Rome's greatest rival and the site of a titanic clash of civilisations. Today, its ruins bear testament to Rome's ultimate victory, as you'll discover during this tour, which also takes in Sidi Bou Said and a stop by the Bardo Museum. Mariam, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘A good place to get your bearings in ancient Carthage is Byrsa Hill. It's a bit of a climb but the view over the site, the city and the bay are absolutely worth it.'You'll start the morning with a visit to Bardo Museum, home to a magnificent collection of mosaics recovered from Roman villas in the region. Then, it's off to Carthage. Under renowned military leaders such as Hannibal, this site was one of the greatest powers of the classical world. Exploring with a guide gives you the historical background and the local perspective on the story of Carthage. You'll see ruins such as the Baths of Antoninus, which were the largest thermal baths in the Roman Empire. It's a great spot to enjoy the thermal waters – right by the sea. Have a look around the amphitheatre and the Tophet sacrificial site before taking a break for lunch.After a traditional Tunisian local lunch, you'll visit Sidi Bou Said, a clifftop village of cobbled alleys fringed by whitewashed houses with sky-blue doors and window shutters. The blue and white colour scheme has echoes of the Greek islands, and contrasts nicely with the sea beyond. You'll discover the town's history and find out why so many artists have called it home over the years.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Kairouan Holy City and El Jem Colosseum Tour from Sousse
Excursions & day trips

Kairouan Holy City and El Jem Colosseum Tour from Sousse

The past is part of the landscape in Tunisia and nowhere more so than Kairouan – the country's holiest city – and in the Roman amphitheatre of El Djem. You'll make a pilgrimage back in time to both during this history-drenched full day excursion. Shayma, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Great Mosque of Kairouan is Africa's second oldest. The interior is dazzling, with ornate tiles, colourful carpets, and pine-shaped chandeliers that add to the beauty of the space. Even the drains are decorated with intricate tilework.'You'll kick off the tour in the walled city of Kairouan. Protected by sandstone walls, the medina offers quiet narrow streets, whitewashed houses with brightly painted shutters and brick-laid archways, perfect for exploring. Kairouan's unmissable Great Mosque is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the region. As well as the mosque's splendid interior, the complex also features a large prayer hall, a courtyard and a minaret. Another important site in Kairouan is the Sidi Sahbi mausoleum, a significant site for Muslims around the world and known for its beautiful tilework and stucco decorations.Next, there's a stop for lunch before visiting El Djem amphitheatre, the third-largest built by the Romans. During its heyday, up to 35,000 spectators would pack its steep stands to watch gladiatorial fights. Today, you can still see the impressive structure that has stood the test of time and learn about its historical significance.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Taste of Tunisia Tour
Activities

Taste of Tunisia Tour

Combining local markets and wine tasting, this full-day tour is a celebration of all the flavours of Tunisia. You'll start off by haggling and wandering around one of North Africa's largest street markets, Nabeul, before heading into the wine-growing region for a tasting and lunch at Château Bacchus.Arriving at Nabeul's Friday market, you'll immerse yourself in eye-catching stalls. From local pottery and embroidery to arabesque-style carpets, perfumes and spices, there's something for everyone. Watch locals go about their daily shop, and go off in search of your own souvenirs to take home.After some free time in the market maze, you'll travel into the wine-growing region, to Château Bacchus, set among scented orange, lemon and olive groves. A freshly-prepared lunch will be served alongside a selection of wines for you to sip.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

El Jem Colosseum Tour
Excursions & day trips

El Jem Colosseum Tour

With an amphitheatre to rival that of Rome, El Jem makes for a fascinating trip back in time. You'll travel from Port El Kantaoui to the colosseum to have a look around. Then it's off to the museum to learn even more about the games and battles that took place there.You'll be stepping into the age of Gladiator on this half-day tour, which includes a visit to the largest colosseum in North Africa. Once you arrive, you'll have time to explore, taking in the wonder of this vast historic space and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It could once hold up to an incredible 35,000 spectators who came to cheer and jeer the games and battles unfolding on stage.You'll also have the chance to admire how El Jem, formerly Thysdrus, was hugely important during the time of the Roman Empire. Then cap off your visit at nearby El Jem Museum, where a selection of Roman mosaics and exhibitions on the games provide a captivating insight.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Hergla Visit and Sousse Medina Heritage Tour
Activities

Hergla Visit and Sousse Medina Heritage Tour

This half-day tour provides an introduction to a few of the Sousse region's highlights. You'll visit two places – the hilltop town of Hergla and the Medina of Sousse.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

Sousse Pirate Boat Trip
Excursions & day trips

Sousse Pirate Boat Trip

Many places that trade on their pirate past, but few can actually match Tunisia's authentic heritage in this department. Now you can immerse yourself in this swashbuckling world with a half-day at sea aboard a replica pirate galley, with snacks and water included.Your adventure begins the moment we sail from Sousse harbour into the Mediterranean, just as the Barbary pirates did for centuries. But while they struck fear into European coastal communities as far afield as Iceland, we'll be going out to have wholehearted fun. Lots of fun.When you've worked up the appetite, snacks to munch on will be served, alongside water. As a fun morning for the whole family, this pirate adventure in a replica Barbary galley is hard to beat.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Medinat Alzahra Dinner Show
Excursions & day trips

Medinat Alzahra Dinner Show

An evening of edge-of-your-seat adventure awaits at Medinat Alzahra dinner show. Transporting you through 3,000 years of Tunisian history, you'll see clashing swords, thundering hooves and cannonballs fly in this entertainment extravaganza. What's more, you'll get a feast of local cuisine and free flowing wine as the perfect side dish to your evening.Like a living museum, Tunisian history and heritage are very much a part of the Medinat Alzahra experience. Even the venue is special – all horseshoe arches, motifs and domes, it's every bit the ancient Moorish castle. Greeted by a Bedouin tent scene complete with pure-bred Arab horses, traditional bread making and even a bit of belly dancing, you'll head to the banquet hall for dinner.After a feast of traditional fare, you're led to a lakeside amphitheatre to be dazzled by a spectacular light and laser show – every flash and bang designed to represent a moment in Tunisia's past. But it's not just strobes and spotlights. You'll also watch stuntmen, sword fights and acrobats bring history to life on this unforgettable night.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

El Jem Colosseum Tour with Pirate Boat Cruise
Excursions & day trips

El Jem Colosseum Tour with Pirate Boat Cruise

Prepare for an adventure that takes in Tunisia's Roman roots and pirate past. You'll visit an amphitheatre to rival that of Rome with a tour of El Jem – an ancient colosseum where gladiator games once took place. Then, take to the waves for a swashbuckling afternoon at sea that includes swim stops, lunch and snacks aboard a replica pirate galley.This UNESCO World-Heritage site of El Jem is soaked in history. You'll be captivated by its stone-cut walls, fine-tuned archways and three-floor facade, a testament of glory to what was the Roman Empire. Take a seat in the age-old stadium and admire the arena below, just like they did in times gone by.Then, we'll cast off from Monastir harbour into the Mediterranean, just as the Barbary pirates did for centuries. But while they struck fear into European coastal communities as far afield as Iceland, we'll be going out to have wholehearted fun. There'll be stops to dive into the sea for swimming and plenty of time to dry off on-board while chillin' with water drinks and munching on snacks.

free cancellation
Available in:

en