As part of a feature on Tunisia’s key resorts, Joanna Booth looks at some of the activities and experiences on offer away from the sea, sand and sun loungers
Excursions
Tunisia is a compact country and popular excursions include journeys into the desert, trips to Tunis and the ancient ruins of Carthage (above) and the pretty village of Sidi Bou Said.
Many operators offer two-day excursions to the Sahara Desert enabling clients to spend the night in a Bedouin tent. Activities include dune-bashing, camel rides, and trips to see locations where Star Wars and The English Patient were filmed.
Golf
Tunisia is growing as a golfing destination. It has 10 courses, and another 20 are planned to open in the next decade. It’s a cheaper option than many other Mediterranean venues.
Classic Collection marketing manager Andrew Farr says: “After June 1 green fees can drop by as much as 40%, as the country succumbs to its high summer temperatures. It’s vital to pre-book very early or twilight tee-off times at this time of year.”
Spa
The Romans built thermal baths in Tunisia, and today’s visitors can enjoy the benefits of the warm salt water in luxurious spas. There are many spa hotels to choose from, with some offering marine treatments as well as classic spa therapies.
Clients can relax in a hammam steam bath, be massaged with water jets in a hydro-bath or be wrapped in seaweed or mineral clay to detoxify the skin.
Tours
Cosmos Tourama reports good sales for its eight-day Tunisian Adventure tour. Page & Moy and Cox & Kings offer similar eight-day options, taking in Tunis, Carthage, Dougga, Kairouan and El Jem.
Wigmore Holidays offers two tours – one visiting Roman sights, the other spending a week viewing the Sahara in detail. Adventure operators make the most of options such as camel trekking and sleeping in Troglodyte caves.
What’s new in Tunisia
Tui Travel has expanded its programme by 63% this year. The operator has added flights from Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Doncaster, Glasgow and Stansted, in addition to its existing departures from Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, East Midlands and Newcastle.
Thomson is featuring two five-star properties, the Riu Palace Hammamet Marhaba and the Mövenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse. A family-friendly three-star, Caribbean World in Skanes, is new for First Choice, while the four-star ClubHotel Riu Marco Polo in Yasmine Hammamet is new in the First Choice Premier Collection. All of these properties are all-inclusive. thomson.co.uk
Just Sunshine offers hotels in eight resorts, with a wide all-inclusive programme, and weekend flights from Gatwick, Manchester, Leeds Bradford and Newcastle. It offers 13% commi-ssion on packages and 10% on flight and accommodation-only bookings. justsunshine.com
