Tunisia, in northeastern Africa is a beautiful country to visit: a country of spices and flowers, ancient history, friendliness, wonderful hotels, restaurants and first class airports.

Tunisia is blessed with a wonderful climate and a scenic coastline. It is bordered by the Mediterranean on the north and east and Libya, to the southeast and Algeria to the west. Many civilizations and empires have passed through Tunisia, leaving their footprint along the way. Tunisia has been home to the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Spanish and French. Today’s Tunisians live in a culture that reflects the passage of all of these people through their country.

Tunisia’s long and colorful history is preserved in the many hundreds of historical sites and museums that dot the country. The enormous National Museum of Bardo (near Tunis) was a 13th century palace and has been expanded over time so that it’s now a an amazing example of 17th and 18th century Arab architecture and interior décor. It boasts vaulted ceilings, galleries and cupolas. It also houses the finest collection of mosaics in the world! The Carthage Museum is famed for its excellent collection of Roman and Punic artifacts, including items that would have been used in everyday life. The extensive display of jewelry must not be missed. There is also an extremely distinctive display of Punic masks made of colored glass paste.

The Dar Ben Abdallah Museum of Traditional Arts and Customs, in Tunis, can be found on the ground floor of the 18th century Dar Ben Abdallah Palace. It is in the medina, the center of old Tunis. This museum is famed for its displays of traditional Tunisian arts as well as its exhibits of the customs of the city of Tunis. Most museums in Tunisia are closed on Mondays. Tunisia is a land of festivals. Every city and village, no matter how large or small, hosts festivals to which visitors are welcome. The Saharian Festival celebrates the vast expanses of the Sahara. It is in Douz and occurs during the second week of November. If you are a devotee of world class music, don’t miss the International Music Festival at the El Jem Coliseum from mid-July to mid-August. What could be lovelier than listening to world famous orchestras and artists on a warm Tunisian evening under the stars in a Roman coliseum?

The most important component of Tunisian family cuisine is its breads! Country breads, found in smaller villages, are usually unleavened and baked in domed, clay ovens called tabounas. Bread is a staple at every Tunisian meal and everyplace in Tunisia has its own special breads. Other than bread, lamb is the meat that is often most eaten at family meals. Tunisians eat a lot of seafood, olive oil and salads and flavor them with all manner of herbs and spices including cumin, coriander, garlic, parsley, dried peppers and other savory delights! Tunisians are fans of hot and spicy food and often harissa, a hot condiment, is served “on the side” in consideration of visitor’s tastes. And for dessert – Turkish baklava, layers of crispy pastry nuts and cinnamon, all soaked in honey syrup, is a treat not to be missed.

Tunisia is a world-class destination for your world-class holiday!

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