| A delightful exotic Tunisian, a little | | | | truly breathtaking some are tiny, others |
| French panache and a treasure trove of | | | | cover a complete floor, but all are |
| history makes this a wonderful area to | | | | superb in their detail and sheer |
| visit. Luxurious hotels set amidst sub | | | | artistry. No holiday is complete without |
| tropical gardens running down to the | | | | a visit to the Medina in Tunis. |
| turquoise sea rival any in the world for | | | | Craft shops, selling everything from |
| cuisine and style. | | | | leather jackets to intricate silverware, |
| Whilst in Tunis you can veritably shop | | | | local brightly painted pottery, carpets |
| till you drop in the elegant shops on | | | | and rugs. Above all haggle its the done |
| the broad boulevards or hunt for | | | | thing. Stop in a cafe and sip a |
| souvenirs. Visit the ruins of Carthage, | | | | refreshing cup of Tunisian mint tea, or |
| walk the winding hill to the top of Sidi | | | | try some of the local delicacies perhaps |
| Bou Said for an incomparable view over | | | | gateaux or a bowl of a spicy chick pea |
| the bay below. | | | | soup. |
| Its main attractions are the glorious | | | | The Great Mosque often called The Olive |
| golden beaches warmed by the languid | | | | Tree Mosque is second only in importance |
| waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the | | | | to the Holy Sidi Oqba Mosque in Kairouan |
| panache of its French colonial past and | | | | in Tunisia. Originally built in 732 but |
| sophistication of the capital Tunis. | | | | reconstructed in 864 by the Aghlabids |
| There is more to this coastline than | | | | the architecture is impressive and |
| just beaches and cities. Take a tour to | | | | elegant. |
| the stunning Blue White Artisan Village | | | | Unfortunately, only the courtyard is |
| of Sidi Bou, with its winding cobbled | | | | open to non Muslims but for the |
| street passing a myriad of shops selling | | | | energetic its well worth a climb up the |
| leather goods, local pottery and of | | | | winding stairs to the rooftop terraces |
| course the ubiquitous stuffed camel. | | | | of the local cafes to see the full |
| Walk to the top for a marvellous view | | | | splendour of the Mosque from afar. |
| over the Bay below. Finally sacked after | | | | Other places of interest to visit |
| rivalling Rome and later rebuilt, the | | | | include in stark contrast to the Mosque |
| ruins are worth seeing if only to | | | | the distinctive Cathedral of St. |
| glimpse the sheer wealth and grandeur of | | | | Vincent de Paul echoing the past French |
| a bygone age. | | | | colonial era, for an excellent selection |
| If time is short the Bardo Museum in | | | | of local crafts then relax in one of the |
| Tunis is a must see. The mosaics are | | | | numerous popular cafes close by. |