Tunisia

With ancient Punic and Roman ruins, the stunning scenery of the Sahara and the bustling atmosphere of the medinas, Tunisia is far more than just a sun-seekers getaway.

As the northern-most country in Africa, Tunisia has a mix of Middle Eastern and European culture. In the north of the country, visitors will find cosmopolitan cities, old-fashioned fishing villages, Roman ruins, and a countryside full of olive and eucalyptus trees. The south, in contrast, offers the dramatic scenery of the Sahara desert.

Tunis and Sidi Bou Said
Tunis is the capital of Tunisia and is very different from the traditional towns further south. It is surrounded by two salty lakes and is a mixture of cobbled streets and modern buildings. Head to Tunis' old medina, which has winding passages where you can buy anything from traditional pottery to jewellery. Nearby, you'll find Jemaa ez Zitoun (the Great Mosque). It is over 1,000 years old and is the largest mosque in Tunis. It's also the only mosque that non-Muslims can visit in the city.

After enjoying the hustle and bustle of Tunis, head to Sidi Bou Said for a calm and peaceful contrast. This traditional Tunisian village is located at the top of a hill and dates back to the 9th century. It is full of pretty blue and white houses and has breathtaking views looking out to sea.

Hammamet
Hammamet is a picturesque fishing village that has become the premier resort in Tunisia for its high standard of hotels and long golden beaches. At its centre, there is a small traditional medina. Wander around the winding cobbled streets at night to soak up the atmosphere or visit in the daytime for the busy shops and stalls. Be prepared to haggle if you see something you like, it's an insult not too! In the evening relax in Cafe Sidi Bou Hadid with a traditional mint tea. Covered in oasis-style rugs and set at the side of the medina walls, you can mix with the locals, and if you're brave enough, ask to try one of the hubble bubble pipes.

Celebrities such as Ringo Starr, Michael Jackson, Sting and Brigitte Bardot have all stayed in Hammamet so it is no wonder that it has some of the most luxurious hotels in North Africa. Treat yourself with a stay at either the Riu Place Oceana Hammamet, The Royal Azur or Le Royal Hammamet (Occidental), all of which are extravagant five star hotels set in on the beach. To live out that VIP lifestyle even more, a visit to Restaurant Pomodoro is highly recommended. Enjoy fresh fish from the A La carte menu while soaking up the stunning views of the harbour.

Kairouan and Monastir
As the fourth most important city in the Islamic world, Kairouan has some of the beautiful mosques in Tunisia. A visit to The Great Mosque is not to be missed. A large tower dominates the square, which can be climbed to see a panoramic view of the city. Although visitors can not enter the huge prayer room, they are allowed to look inside. It is a fascinating insight into Tunisian culture.

Monastir is the birthplace of Bourguiba, the ex-president, and a stop is recommended here to see the Bourguiba Mosque. This a stunning dome-shaped piece of architecture built by the ex-president Borguiba for his death. Inside you can see his tomb and a small museum room devoted to the man who made Tunisia a republic. Nearby is the Ribat of Harthema which is one of the main attractions in Monastir. Step inside to be transported to the Middle East. It's traditional stone walls have been used as a film set for both Monty Python's Life of Brian and Raiders of The Lost Ark.

El Jem, Dougga and Cathage
One of the highlights of visiting Tunisia is a trip to see El Jem, the sixth largest Roman amphitheatre in the world. Although it is smaller than the Colosseum in Rome, it is just as impressive as it is better preserved and visitors also get the chance to look underneath the theatre to see where the prisoners and wild animals were held. Head there in the early morning when it is quiet to take in the eerie atmosphere of this amazing piece of architecture which dates back to 230 AD.

The ancient city of Carthage was once one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. Although little evidence of this now remains, visitors will be impressed by the Antoine Baths. Once the site of the largest baths in the Roman Empire, its ruins are impressively preserved. Dougga is yet another breathtaking site to view Roman ruins. Situated 550 metres above sea level in the mountains inland of Tunisia, go there to see the capitol, Roman theatre and other ruins of this historic city.

Arabian nights
Head away from the tourists and discover a totally different part of Tunisia in the breathtaking Sahara desert, which has been a film set for Star Wars and The English Patient. Many tour operators, including Cadogen holidays, offer a two-day excursion that involves a spectacular camel ride over the desert whilst the sun sets, so you can enjoy the sheer size, total solitude and beauty of the Sahara.

If all this sounds a little too adventurous, you can still stay in Northern Tunisia to experience some traditional desert culture. Cadogen Holidays offer an excursion to a Tunisian evening which costs just £15 per person and includes a three course meal, wine and some fantastic entertainment including Bedouin dancers, acrobats, belly dancing and Arab horsemen.

For more information about Tunisia visit www.tourismtunisia.com. I travelled with the award-winning Cadogan Holidays using the scheduled British Airways services to Tunis and stayed at the luxury Riu Place Oceana Hammamet hotel. For more information visit www.cadoganholidays.com or call 023 80 828313.

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