Tunisia in 7 days, from Tunis to Djerba
A day-by-day route from the Medina of Tunis to the troglodyte homes of Matmata and Djerba island, with an activity sheet and its sources for every stage.
Seven days from north to south: Tunis, Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd, the ruins of Dougga, Kairouan, the El Jem amphitheatre, Matmata, then Djerba. Every stage links to an activity sheet, where each fact cites its source.
Travel times come from Wikivoyage; where no source gives one, this notebook gives none. No official price could be read: no prices are given.
Day 1 · The Medina of Tunis
Founded in 698 around the Zitouna Mosque, the medina holds some 700 monuments; it has been a World Heritage Site since 1979. Enter through the Porte de France and follow Rue Jemaa Zaytouna to the great mosque.
Day 2 · Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd
The TGM light rail serves Carthage and Sidi Bou Saïd. In Carthage, a single ticket opens ten sites and museums. Sidi Bou Saïd, some 20 km from Tunis, is celebrated for its white houses with blue shutters.
Day 3 · Dougga
From Bab Saadoune station, the louage takes 80 minutes to Teboursouk, the bus at least two hours. Allow about two hours on the site, “the best-preserved Roman small town in North Africa” according to UNESCO.
Day 4 · Kairouan
Founded around 670, Kairouan is a World Heritage Site. Non-Muslims may not enter the Great Mosque’s prayer hall, but the doors are open to view inside.
Day 5 · The El Jem amphitheatre
Built around 238, the amphitheatre held an estimated 35,000 spectators; it has been a World Heritage Site since 1979.
Day 6 · Matmata
From Gabès, 40 km away, louages and eight daily buses go up to Matmata. Some residents still live in troglodyte homes, and the Hotel Sidi Driss was a set for the first Star Wars film.
Day 7 · Djerba
North Africa’s largest island, Djerba has been a World Heritage Site since 2023. To head back, the Houmt Souk–Tunis bus takes about 8 hours, ferry included.
Sources · 9
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